{"id":30819,"date":"2022-09-06T16:06:24","date_gmt":"2022-09-06T07:06:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/?post_type=product&p=30819"},"modified":"2022-11-17T21:26:04","modified_gmt":"2022-11-17T12:26:04","slug":"antique-japanese-sword-tanto-signed-by-masayori-nbthk-tokubetsu-hozon-certificate","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/product\/antique-japanese-sword-tanto-signed-by-masayori-nbthk-tokubetsu-hozon-certificate\/","title":{"rendered":"Antique Japanese Sword Tanto Signed by Masayori
NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon<\/strong> <\/span>Certificate"},"content":{"rendered":"

Antique Japanese Sword Tanto Signed by Masayori with <\/span>Tokubetsu Hozon<\/span> <\/span>Certificate<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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

Summary <\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0This blade was signed by Shibata Masayori (\u65b0\u767a\u7530\u6b63\u9806) in the fourth year of the Ansei era (1858: The end of the Edo period). Shibata is the province located in today’s Nigata prefecture. The signature also says it was made at the beginning of winter (Hatsu Fuyu: \u521d\u51ac). Based on the signature and NBTHK’s authentication paper, the engraving was also made by Masayori. This blade was ordered by Hasebe Ujishige (\u9577\u8c37\u90e8\u6c0f\u91cd).<\/span><\/p>\n

Horimono<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0In this work, you see a Japanese apricot. Since this plant design has been favored as an auspicious design, it was possibly incorporated into the Horimono. Japanese apricot blossoms begin to bloom in winter that snow still covers its tree, so people thought this flower tells the arrival of spring. Same as cherry blossom, it has been appreciated for a long time in Japan. People enjoy its adorable petal shape and scent, gracefully branched tree, and compose many poems. As it comes out in the cold season, it symbolizes the power of perseverance and vitality.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Three characters are engraved vertically. These letters could be read as follows: \u541b\u4e07\u6b73. If we divide these letters based on the meaning of modern words, they could be divided into two words, \u201c\u541b\u201d and \u201c\u4e07\u6b73.\u201d Please note that here we introduce these letters\u2019 meanings to you based on their dictionary meanings. The word \u541b (Kimi) means an respected way of calling a higher authority such as an emperor or a person of virtue. And another word, \u4e07\u6b73 (Banzai) generally means the movement to show joy or celebration. The person who ordered this blade must have requested Masayori to engrave these letters. We assume this Tanto might have a special present from someone to a higher authority.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0This blade was appraised as a Tokubetsu Hozon<\/strong> 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).\u00a0 This authentication paper was only given to authentic Japanese swords, especially well preserved and high quality with artistic value.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u3010 Blade\u3011<\/span><\/strong>
\nCutting Edge Length(Nagasa)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a28.3 cm ( 11.14 inches)<\/strong>
\nCurvature(Sori)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a0\u00a0 cm( 0 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

\u00a0Black lacquer is applied to this Fuchi Kasira. And you would find that a golden mark is designed on the Kashira part. We think it is put as a family crest, and this design is called the Daki Myoga Mon (\u62b1\u304d\u8317\u8377\u6587). It depicts a combination of two mioga gingers that are facing each other. It is often confused with the Gyouyou (\u674f\u8449) pattern; the difference between the Gyouyou and Myoga patterns is whether veins are depicted in leaves. Also, the Gyouyou pattern is not a plant design. <\/span><\/p>\n

The Japanese name of mioga ginger \u201cMyoga (\u8317\u8377)\u201d has the same pronunciation as another word, \u201cMyoga (\u51a5\u52a0),\u201d which means divine protection; therefore, this motif has been treated as a good-luck design. According to a theory, people incorporated the Myoga pattern into designs because the symbol of Matara-Jin (\u6469\u591a\u7f85\u795e) was Myoga. This god has been worshipped in Tendai-sh\u016b (\u5929\u53f0\u5b97, Tendai lotus school), and believed that this god liberates from earthly bondage. That is why this crest is seen at shrines and temples in various parts of Japan. We assume the former owner of this sword might have chosen this Fuchi Kashira\u2019s design based on his family crest.<\/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 motif of this Menuki is a pair of male and female deer. Both deer are sitting and resting on the ground, with one leg outstretched as if facing each other. Their eyes and the pattern on their back are colored with golden paint.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0In Japan, this animal is often designed with maple leaves. Today, this classical theme is well-known as a motif of the Hanafuda (\u82b1\u672d, Japanese card game), which symbolizes autumn. There is a story about this motif. Once upon a time, A deer crawled into the temple garden and approached children practicing calligraphy. Then the deer ate the children’s calligraphy paper. Seeing this, a child threw a paperweight at the deer to get rid of it. However, the deer happened to be hit on a vital spot by this attack and passed away. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0At that time, The deer was considered a messenger of God, and people thought it was sacred animal. The child was buried alive in stone and sand with the deer’s corpse for the crime of killing the deer. The child’s mother deeply mourned his death and planted a maple tree to hold a funeral for his deceased after her death. This tradition was taken up in the title of the Joruri (\u6d44\u7460\u7483, a Japanese narrative ballad chanted to the accompaniment of Shamisen) as a title; the Jusan Gane (\u5341\u4e09\u9418) and became widely known to the public. While we are unsure about why this animal design was incorporated into this Menuki, we hope you enjoyed knowing this folklore which is said to be one of the origins of this motif.<\/span><\/p>\n

The deer motif has also been treated as a symbol of longevity. Therefore, the Samurai who once owned this sword might have wished to live long.
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Habaki<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aHabaki is the equipment to make the blade not touch its scabbard inside. It prevents the blade from getting rusty and chipped.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>
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\nSaya<\/strong><\/span>\uff1a Saya is the scabbard for the Japanese sword.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0This scabbard is colored with glossy black lacquer, and several plants are designed on it. We think these are the following flowers that color the autumn season: the Kiku (\u83ca, chrysanthemum), Ominaeshi (\u5973\u90ce\u82b1, yellow patrinia), Hagi (\u8429, bush clover), Obana (\u5c3e\u82b1, miscanthus sinensis), Kikyou (\u6854\u6897, Japanese bellflower), and Kuzu (\u845b, kudzu vine). Most of these plants are classified as Aki-no Nanakusa (\u79cb\u306e\u4e03\u8349, the seven flowers of autumn).<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The Makie (\u8494\u7d75) is effectively used in this work. It is a typical Japanese lacquer art technique developed uniquely in Japan for about 1200 years. Firstly, it needs to draw a picture with lacquer on the surface with a thin brush. Next, sprinkle the gold powder above to show the pattern before the lacquer hardens. This technique makes an elegant and ornamental look to works, as seen in this scabbard.<\/span>
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Authentication Paper<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aNBTHK TOKUBETSU Hozon Certificate for the blade\u00a0 (No. 1017078)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0 NBTHK<\/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 Dec 3rd, the third year of Reiwa (2021). They appraised it as Tokubetsu Hozon Touken, the blade especially 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 : Osaka 49770<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The Board of Education in Osaka 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 (\uff5e2022) 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 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