{"id":28752,"date":"2022-06-25T21:56:35","date_gmt":"2022-06-25T12:56:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/?post_type=product&p=28752"},"modified":"2023-01-26T00:13:49","modified_gmt":"2023-01-25T15:13:49","slug":"antique-japanese-sword-wakizashi-signed-by-miyoshi-nagamichinbthk-tokubetsu-hozon-certificate","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/product\/antique-japanese-sword-wakizashi-signed-by-miyoshi-nagamichinbthk-tokubetsu-hozon-certificate\/","title":{"rendered":"Antique Japanese Sword Wakizashi Signed by Miyoshi Nagamichi
NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon<\/strong> <\/span>Certificate"},"content":{"rendered":"

Antique Japanese Sword Wakizashi Signed by Miyoshi Nagamichi with NBTHK Hozon<\/span> Certificate<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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

Miyoshi Nagamichi\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>
\n\u00a0This blade was signed by Mutsu Daijyo Miyoshi Nagamichi (\u9678\u5965\u5927\u63be\u4e09\u5584\u9577\u9053). Nagamichi served Aizu Matsudaira clan, who ruled Aizu domain (Today’s Fukushima prefecture). He was especially active during the early Edo period (Mid-Late 17th century). The first-gen Miyoshi Nagamichi was considered one of the top-tier swordsmiths during the early Edo period.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0He belonged to Miyoshi school and is also known as the first-gen Nagamichi because the maker’s name lasted ten generations throughout the Edo period.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Nagamichi was born in the 10th year of the Kan-Ei era (1633). His birth name was Miyoshi Toshiro. He learned sword-forging techniques from his uncle Nagatoshi because his father, Masanaga, died when Nagamichi was 16 years old. Nagamichi mainly resided in Aizu province (Today’s Fukushima prefecture).<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Nagamichi first signed Michinaga, but he changed it to Nagamichi when he received Mutsu Daijyo in the first year of the Manji era (1658). Daijyo was an honorable official title given by the emperor for one’s excellent craftsmanship. He was 17 years old when he got this title. This fact suggests that he must have been excellent at forging blades early in his age. Later, he moved to Edo city and learned how to make a sharper blade from Yamano Kanjyuro Hisahide, the master of Tameshigiri, or test cutting.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0According to the book (Kaihou Kenjyaku) published by Yamada Asaemon\u3000in the late Edo period, a blade forged by Nagamichi was ranked as Saijyo Owazamono, the highest of all the rankings. Asaemon was hired by the Edo government as an expert on Tameshigiri, or testing cutting. And in this book, he judged how sharp Japanese swords forged by prestigious swordsmiths were.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Because of the sharpness of the blades forged by Nagamichi, he was often called Aizu Kotesu or Aizu Masamune to appreciate his craftsmanship. Kotetsu and Masamune are also highly renowned swordsmiths.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Miyoshi School<\/span><\/strong>
\n\u00a0Nagamichi was the grandson of Nagakuni, a renowned swordsmith in Matsuyama province (Ehime prefecture). <\/span>Miyoshi Nagakuni initially forged swords in Akino province(Hiroshima prefecture). Nagakuni moved to Iyo province after being hired by Kato Yoshiakira, the head of the Matsuyama clan. Nagakuni and his son Masanaga eventually relocated to Aizu province as the government ordered Kato clan (their employer) to move to this province. They started to forge blades in Aizu province in 1627. Masanaga was the father of Nagamichi.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Among other schools in Aizu province, Miyoshi school played an important role and served as the head school during the Edo period. Another famous school in this province is Aizu Kanesada school.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0This blade is appraised as a Tokubetsu Hozon Token(\u7279\u5225\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, especially well preserved with artistic value.<\/span><\/p>\n

*Please keep in mind that there are a couple of partial black rust on this blade. If you like to know the detailed condition, please feel free to contact us.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

\u3010Blade\u3011<\/span><\/strong>
\nCutting Edge Length(Nagasa)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a\u00a0 51.6 cm (<\/strong><\/span> 20.3 inches)<\/strong>
\nCurvature(Sori)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a1.2<\/strong> cm (0.47 inches)<\/b><\/span>\u00a0<\/strong>
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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>\uff1aNakago is the tang of the Japanese sword.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Japanese 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.<\/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.\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Peony flowers are engraved for this Fuchi Kashira. Peony represents happiness, wealth, nobleness, and gorgeousness. This flower pattern has been treated as a kind of good-omen motif; people regarded it as a rich harvest sign. Peony is called Botan in Japanese. When we write this flower\u2019s name in Japanese, its second letter means mountain hermit medicine to give us eternal youth. Based on the meaning of this letter, the peony pattern symbolizes eternal youth and longevity.<\/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

\u00a0This Menuki\u2019s motif is the Kara-Jishi (\u5510\u7345\u5b50). Two Kara-Jishis are designed on each side. It is a classical subject and has favored designing for various items since long ago. The Shishi (\u7345\u5b50) means a lion in Japanese, and the Kara-Jishi is a lion brought from the Continent to Japan in the Toh period (\u5510, Tang dynasty, 618-907). The Kara-Jishi typically has curly hair for its head, neck, body, and tail. In Buddhism, the Kara-Jishi is regarded as a symbol of wisdom, and the Monju Bosatu (\u6587\u6b8a\u83e9\u85a9, Manjushri Bodhisattva) rides lions. According to a theory, the Kara-Jishi originates from the Komainu (\u72db\u72ac, stone guardian dogs that exorcize evil spirits).<\/span>
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Tsuba 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

\u00a0Oval-shaped Tsuba that has Kozuka and Kougai holes. This Tsuba has the same design as the Tsuka part (please focus on the motifs of Fuchi Kashira and Menuki): the combination of peony and the Kara-Jishi. There is a Houwa (\u6cd5\u8a71, Buddhist monks tell the story of Buddhism in an easy-to-understand manner) that treats them. The lion is called the king of the beasts. However, even this invincible animal has only one fear; a bug in the lion\u2019s body. This pest grows in the lion\u2019s hair and eventually breaks the skin and bites the flesh. Nevertheless, it dies if it is exposed to be the night dew of a peony. Therefore, the lion rests under peony flowers at night, looking for a haven. This story might have inspired this Tsuba, Fuchi Kashira, and Menuki\u2019s design.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Saya<\/strong><\/span>\uff1a Saya is the scabbard for the Japanese sword.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Authentication Paper<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aNBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate for the blade (No.1017596)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0NBTHK<\/span><\/a>, 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 March 2nd in the 4th year of Reiwa (2022). They appraised it as Tokubetsu Hozon Touken, the blade especially worth preserving for Japanese society. The purchaser will receive this original certificate as well. We can also translate what is written into English and make a PDF file<\/span><\/a> for your record if you request.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Registration Number :\u00a0<\/span> Tokyo 183758<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\n\u00a0The Board of Education in Tokyo 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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\u3010Review\u3011<\/strong>
\n\u00a0Here is o<\/span>ne of the reviews we received from a customer who purchased an authentic Japanese sword from us. For more reviews, please click here<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.
\n“It was outstanding. Nothing short from what I would expect from Japanese people. Takaoki-san and Gin-san treated me to the best purchasing experience I\u2019ve ever had. They were honorable, humble and dedicated to duty. I felt like a family member. I would highly recommend the Samurai Museam Shop to anyone looking to purchase an authentic antique Japanese sword with certification paper work.”<\/em><\/p>\n

\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 500 Japanese swords for the past three years (\uff5e2023) 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.
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\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 allo<\/span>wed 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>
\nWe 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. <\/span>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 <\/strong>or GBP<\/strong>. The price is set in Japanese Yen. Prices in other currencies are automatically calculated based on the latest exchange rate.\u00a0<\/span><\/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, UK, Canada, Mexico, 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 EMS<\/strong>(Express Mail Service) provided by Japan Post. When we receive an order from the Canada we will use 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 contact us through email, Facebook Messenger or Live Chat if you have any questions. You can find each icon on the right side of the w<\/span>ebsite. 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’s history is a profound, eloquent legacy of ancient Japanese warriors in which millions of people worldwide are being fascinated. If y<\/span>ou 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