{"id":27327,"date":"2022-05-06T20:11:28","date_gmt":"2022-05-06T11:11:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/?post_type=product&p=27327"},"modified":"2022-10-27T17:49:39","modified_gmt":"2022-10-27T08:49:39","slug":"antique-japanese-sword-katana-signed-by-fujiwara-ietsugu-nbthk-hozon-certificate","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/product\/antique-japanese-sword-katana-signed-by-fujiwara-ietsugu-nbthk-hozon-certificate\/","title":{"rendered":"Antique Japanese Sword Katana Signed by Fujiwara Ietsugu
NBTHK Hozon <\/span>Certificate"},"content":{"rendered":"

Antique Japanese Sword Katana\u00a0 Fujiwara Ietsugu with <\/span>Hozon<\/span> <\/span>Certificate<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u3010Description\u3011<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>This blade was signed by Banshu Jyu Fujiwara Ietsugu (\u64ad\u5dde\u4f4f\u85e4\u539f\u5bb6\u6b21). Banshu, also known as Harima domain, was located in today’s Hyogo prefecture. Banshu Jyu means that Ietsugu lived in the area when he forged this blade. It was common for many swordsmiths to sign where they lived before writing their signature. The swordsmith name Ietsugu lasted two generations. The first generation was active during the Meireki (1655-1658), and the second generation was during the Enpo era (1673-1681). The authentication paper issued by NBTHK doesn’t mention which generation forged this blade. Nevertheless, you can see beautiful craftsmanship created by Ietsugu.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is the material of the Japanese sword and what makes Shinto sword special?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Japanese blacksmithing has over a millennium of history.\u00a0 It dates back to the 1st century A.D. when ancient blacksmiths studied template method from the continent. Copper pottery and rice farming techniques were also introduced to Japan at the same time.<\/p>\n

Since then, Japanese blacksmiths had spent centuries to invent the traditional metal forging technique called TATARA(\u946a).\u00a0 TATARA is a clay melting pot where you put iron sand and charcoal together to bond these chemicals with intensive heat.\u00a0By using this technique, they started to make Japanese swords out of Tatara carbon-steel.<\/p>\n

This type of carbon-steel was later called TAMA-HAGANE (\u7389\u92fc; Ball-Steel).\u00a0 However, Tama-Hagane, in the early days, still had room for improvement.\u00a0 The schools of Katana (Japanese swords) continued carrying out various ways to make the best steel.<\/p>\n

In the Edo period (1603-1868 A.D.), they finally achieved the most steady mass-producing supply of Tama-Hagane.\u00a0 As transport links in the Edo period were far more advanced than those of any previous eras, Tama-Hagane has rapidly spread throughout the country.\u00a0 It was widely used for\u00a0Shin-TO<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0Japanese swords, since it was deemed the purest form of carbon-steel with the most stable chemical bond.\u00a0 It was also a defining moment in Japanese history when most swordsmiths in Japan used virtually the same ingredient in their blacksmithing.<\/p>\n

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\u00a0This blade is appraised as a Hozon Token(\u4fdd\u5b58\u5200\u5263) issued by NBTHK(Nihon Bijutsu Touken Hozon Kyokai:\u65e5\u672c\u7f8e\u8853\u5200\u5263\u4fdd\u5b58\u5354\u4f1a). This authentication paper was only given to authentic Japanese swords, well preserved with artistic value.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u3010 Blade\u3011<\/span><\/strong>
\nCutting Edge Length(Nagasa)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a76.0 cm (29.9 inches)<\/strong>
\nCurvature(Sori)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a1.5<\/strong> cm (0.59 inches)<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Hamon<\/strong><\/span>\uff1a
\nThe crystalline structure which forms along the cutting edge of a blade as a result of the hardening process<\/strong>
\nJimon(Jihada)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a
\nvisible steel surface pattern created by folding and hammering during forging process<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Nakago<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aNakago is the tang of the Japanese sword. <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Japanese swordsmiths left the black rust on the tang because it prevents red rust while the tang is in its handle. And the discoloration of the tang was created over time, and it is a great indicator for a Japanese sword specialist to estimate when the sword was forged.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Koshirae:\u00a0Koshirae is the mounting of the Japanese sword. There are several parts that consist of Koshirae such as Saya(Scabbard), Tsuka(Handle), Tsuba(Handguard).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Fuchi-Kashira<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aA pair of matching sword fittings that cover the upper and bottom parts of its sword hilt.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0If you focus on the Kashira part, you will find heart mark-shaped leaves are designed. This plant is the Aoi (\u8475), and it is the origin of a famous family crest. For example, the Tokugawa Shogunate family used this leaf motif for their family crest. This design is also used for the crest of the Kamo shrine in Kyoto prefecture. Tokugawa family had their family crest with three leaves of Aoi due to the Kamo shrine’s relation. Its leaves have a habit of always facing the sun, and the word “Aoi” is taken as “Aogu (\u4ef0\u3050, looking up)” for the sun. Therefore, people have thought the Aoi pattern would bring good fortune. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0At the Fuchi part, you would find two men. The one who brings a fan in his right hand is dancing, and another man is playing a small drum. You could see Japanese letters at the backside of the Fuchi part. This engraved inscription is written as \u5e38\u76f4 (Tsunenao). It is the signature of this Fuchi Kashira’s maker. And the last mark is probably his stylized signature.\u00a0<\/span>
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\nTsuka and Menuki<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aTsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The sailboat is the motif of this Menuki. Its sail part is colored with golden paint. As Japan is an island nation, the ship design has been familiar to Japanese people since ancient times. Sailboats, Nanban Sen (\u5357\u86ee\u8239, ships used for Japan’s trade with European countries between the Muromachi and Edo period), and Takara Bune (\u5b9d\u8239, the treasure-loaded ship) are the motifs of ship pattern. Sailing ships were one of the tools rooted in the lives of ordinary people, so it is understandable that it was incorporated into sword mountings’ design.<\/span>
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\nTsuba and Habaki<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aTsuba is the handguard for the Japanese Sword and Habaki is the equipment to make the blade not touch its scabbard inside. It prevents the blade from getting rusty and chipped.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0Circle-shaped Tsuba that has Kozuka and Kougai holes. On the backside, you would find letters are engraved next to the Nakago hole (center hole). We think it is written as \u5bb6\u6b21\u4f5c (Ietsugu Saku, made by Ietsugu). It is usually judged as to its maker’s name; however, we cannot justify that this Ietsugu is the same person as Ietsugu who forged this blade.
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\u00a0About the design, a man and an Oni (\u9b3c) are engraved. Oni is a monster with a human body, horns, and fangs. They are usually harmful to people; however sometimes helpful existence. This man has a long beard and wears a Samurai-like costume. It seems he is trying to get rid of the Oni with his sword. We are not sure who these characters are exactly. This scene might have been quoted from any story or legend.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>
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\nSaya<\/strong><\/span>\uff1a Saya is the scabbard for the Japanese sword.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/span>
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Authentication Paper<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aNBTHK Hozon Certificate for the blade (No. 326434)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0NBTHK<\/a><\/span><\/span>, also known as Nihon Bijutsu Touken Hozon Kyokai (the Society for the Preservation of the Japan Art Sword), is one of the oldest Japanese sword appraising organizations in modern-day Japan. They authenticated the blade on January 17th in the 3rd year of Heisei (1991). They appraised it as Hozon Touken, the blade worth preserving for Japanese society. The purchaser will receive these original certificates as well. We can also translate what is written into English and make a PDF file<\/span><\/a><\/span> for your record if you request.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Registration Number : Kyoto 47952<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The Board of Education in Kyoto prefecture issued a registration paper for this sword . It is called Jyu Token Rui Torokusho(\u9283\u5200\u5263\u985e\u767b\u9332\u8a3c). Bunkacho(The Agency for Cultural Affairs) acknowledges a Japanese sword with this paper as a work of art.
\nThe sword needs to be traditionally hand-forged and made of Tamahagane carbon steel to be registered in the system. With this paper, its owner in Japan can legally own an authentic Japanese sword. Based on this registration number, we will apply for its export permit.
\nThis paper will need to be returned to the board of education when the sword is being shipped abroad, but you can receive a copy of it. An English translation of this registration paper is available on request.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u3010About us\u3011<\/span><\/strong>
\n\u00a0Samurai Museum is located in Tokyo, Japan, exhibiting antique artifacts related to the Samurai history. Samurai Museum Shop is the place for those who are interested in Japanese culture and craftsmanship. We deal with antique Samurai swords\/armor, traditional crafts made in Japan and so on. <\/span><\/p>\n

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\u3010Japanese Sword& Export Process<\/strong>\u3011<\/span>
\n\u00a0The Japanese swords we deal with are hand-forged edged swords made in Japan. It was made from the traditional carbon steel called TAMAHAGANE(\u7389\u92fc)<\/span><\/a>. Samurai Museum is familiar with the proper legal procedure for an antique\/ authentic Japanese sword to be exported from Japan. We have sent more than 400 Japanese swords for the past three years to amazing owners who appreciate its historical value. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Each Japanese sword is registered under the Agency for Cultural Affairs and the Board of Education in Japan.They issue a registration paper for each Japanese sword for its owner in Japan to legally possess it. The Japanese sword with its registration paper means it was traditionally hand-forged in Japan.
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0To legally export the sword from Japan to other countries, we will have to apply for its permit to the Agency for Cultural Affairs(Bunkacho) and return the original registration paper to the Board of Education. It normally takes around 2-4 weeks<\/strong> to receive this permit after submitting required documents. And we would like you to expect at least 1-1.5 months<\/strong> for your order to arrive at your given address after you ordered. For more detailed info, please click here<\/span><\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0It is allow<\/span>ed for residents in Japan to own authentic Japanese swords without a special license as long as they come with registration papers. Please feel free to contact us if you are a resident of Japan, whether temporarily or permanently. We will also assist you when you leave Japan and need to obtain the export permit.<\/p>\n

\u3010Payment Method\u3011<\/strong>
\n<\/span>\u00a0We accept payment through Stripe <\/strong>(Credit card), PayPal<\/strong>, Apple Pay or ChromePay, all of which are secure payment methods. Also, you don’t need to make an account on Stripe for the checkout. If you prefer other payment method, please contact us. After confirming your payment, we will apply for an export permit. You may either pay in JPY, USD, AUD, CAD,EUR, CHF <\/strong>or GBP<\/strong>. The price is set in Japanese Yen. Prices in other currencies are automatically calculated based on the latest exchange rate.<\/p>\n

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* If the amount is above 1 million JPY, Stripe or wire transfer will be the only options for payment.<\/p>\n

\u3010Shipping\u3011<\/strong><\/span>
\n\u00a0We have shipped authentic Japanese swords to the USA, Canada, Mexico, UK, Germany, Switzerland, France, Hong Kong and Australia<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/span>. If you don’t live in these countries and like to order, please contact us first before making a purchase. We offer Free International Shipping<\/strong><\/span> as long as we can send antique Japanese swords by either EMS or FedEx(Canada).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0We normally ship by<\/span> EMS<\/strong>(Express Mail Service) provided by Japan Post. When we receive an order from the Canada we will use <\/span>FedEx<\/strong> instead as EMS temporarily stops shipping from Japan to those countries due to COVID-19.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0We will send you a tracking number for your order as soon as we hand it to the post office\/FedEx. We will put 100 % insurance on the shipping document without any extra charge. Based on the total amount, there might be a duty tax or other fee for you to pay, depending on the countries. We use package cushioning to protect the item and put it in a PVC pipe, which is one of the most secure packages because of its durability.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0It will normally takes 5-14 days for the item to arrive at your given address after we dispatch it. Time of delivery is estimated as accurately as possible by the carrier but does not take into account any delays beyond our control such as by inclement weather, post office holiday seasons.<\/span><\/p>\n

* If you live in Australia and like to purchase an authentic Japanese sword, please click here<\/span><\/span> <\/a>to know the detail.<\/strong><\/p>\n

*Please keep in mind that due to the spread of COVID-19, there might be delays in shipping. If you like to know the detail about shipping, please feel free to ask us.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u3010How to make sure the condition\u3011<\/strong><\/span>
\n\u00a0Please keep in mind that what you are going to purchase is an antique item. We uploaded high resolution photos for you to check its condition thoroughly. If you like to see more photos with different angles, please feel free to contact us. We will be happy to send them to you so that you can make informed decision.<\/span> It is essential for us to know that you are happy with your choice of a sword. and we are prepared to use the best of our ability to serve you.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u3010How To Contact Us\u3011<\/strong>
\n\u00a0Please con<\/span>tact us through email, Facebook Messenger or Live Chat if you have any questions. You can find each icon on the right side of the website. Please click one of them to reach us. We will reply to you within 1-2 business days.<\/p>\n

\u3010The Art of Nihonto(Japanese Sword)<\/strong>\u3011
\n\u00a0Samurai’<\/span>s history is a profound, eloquent legacy of ancient Japanese warriors in which millions of people worldwide are being fascinated. If you like to find out the art of Nihonto, please click here.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\u3010A Guide to Japanese Sword Maintenance<\/strong>\u3011<\/span>
\n\u00a0After acquiring an genuine Japanese sword, it is also important to know how to take good care of it. Here is the special video for you. Mr. Paul Martin, Japanese sword expert, shows you how to give proper maintenance to your sword. By mastering how to clean the Japanese sword, its aesthetic beauty will last forever.<\/span><\/p>\n