{"id":35364,"date":"2023-03-04T18:28:29","date_gmt":"2023-03-04T09:28:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/?post_type=product&p=35364"},"modified":"2023-05-04T19:32:32","modified_gmt":"2023-05-04T10:32:32","slug":"antique-japanese-sword-katana-signed-by-nanki-jyu-shigekuni-nthk-kanteisho-certificate","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/product\/antique-japanese-sword-katana-signed-by-nanki-jyu-shigekuni-nthk-kanteisho-certificate\/","title":{"rendered":"Antique Japanese Sword Katana Signed by Nanki Jyu (Shigekuni)
NTHK Kanteisho Certificate"},"content":{"rendered":"

Antique Japanese Sword Katana Signed by Nankiju (Shigekuni) with NTHK Kanteisho<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Certificate<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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

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

\u00a0This blade was attributed to Nanki Shigekuni in the Bunka era (<\/span>1804\uff0d1818<\/span><\/strong>: The end of the Edo period), according to its NTHK appraisal. While the maker’s name, “Shigekuni,” part was cut due to Suriage (size adjustment), NTHK concluded that it was made by him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Nanki is the name of the province located in today’s Wakayama prefecture. Naki Jyu means living in this province. It is often the case with swordsmiths that they engraved where they lived when they forged blades. The maker’s name Shigekuni lasted 11th generations. Based on their active period, we assume the appraisal was given to the 9th gen Shigekuni.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Their active period was from the early Edo period(1615-) to the late Edo period(-1868). Shigekuni served the Kishu Tokugawa clan in the Kishu region(Wakayama), a direct lineage from the Tokugawa clan, who ruled the Edo government. Kishu Tokugawa clan is known as GOSANKE, which is eligible to take over Shogun’s position. Shogun was the supreme head of the military government ruled by Samurai warriors in Japan’s medieval times.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The first gen Shigekuni is called Nanki Shigekuni and is known as one of the greatest swordsmiths in the SHINTO era(the swords created during\u00a0<\/span>1596 A.D.-1763 A.D.<\/span><\/strong>). It is said that the second-gen Shigekuni forged swords for Tokugawa Yoriyoshi, the 10th son of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the feudal lord of the Kishu region.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Horimono (Engraving)\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0This blade has a Horimono (\u5f6b\u308a\u7269, blade sculpture) of a Sanskrit letter. This letter represents the Fudo Myo-O (\u4e0d\u52d5\u660e\u738b, acalan\u0101tha). Fudo Myo-O is one of the objects of worship in Buddhism. According to a theory, it is the incarnation of Dainichi Nyorai (\u5927\u65e5\u5982\u6765, Mah\u0101vairocana, the principal image of esoteric Buddhism). The Fudo Myo-O and the Kurikaraken (\u5036\u5229\u4f3d\u7f85\u5263, Fudo Myo-O’s sword) are popular designs.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u3010 Blade\u3011<\/span><\/strong>
\nCutting Edge Length(Nagasa)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a 71.5 cm (28.1inches)<\/strong>
\nCurvature(Sori)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a 1.21 cm (0.47 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

\u00a0This Fuchi Kashira is decorated with different types of plant motifs. On the Fuchi part, you would find a single flower with long narrow leaves. In Japan, several flowers have similar appearances. We think the plant motif that was designed here is, the Kakitsubata (\u71d5\u5b50\u82b1, rabbit-ear iris) or Shoubu (\u83d6\u84b2, iris flower).<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Kakitsubatas color the waterside during their short flowering time; Japanese people have loved this elegant appearance since ancient times. This flower has been treated as a motif in various arts, such as poems or pictures. There is a famous collection of Japanese poems that is called the Ise Monogatari (\u4f0a\u52e2\u7269\u8a9e, The Tales of Ise). One of the well-known episodes in this book treats the Kakitsubata. The plot of the story is as follows. The protagonist no longer felt comfortable living in the city and decided to go to the eastern country, which was the countryside at that time. He left the town with his friends, and during the journey, one of them found that Kakitsubatas were blooming at the waterside. The protagonist was requested to write a poem using characters of the Kakitsubata (it is written as \u304b\u304d\u3064\u3070\u305f in Hiragana character), and he responded to this challenging request. He composed a nostalgic poem, and it made them feel homesick for their home or families.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0As mentioned above, there is another possibility of this flower\u2019s model; the Shoubu. Its Japanese name has the same pronunciation as the word \u201cShoubu (\u52dd\u8ca0),\u201d which means battle. So, the \u201cShoubu\u201d (\u83d6\u84b2, iris flower) motif was associated with the idea of \u201cShoubu\u201d (\u52dd\u8ca0, fight) due to the same pronunciation. Therefore, these motifs reminded Samurai warriors of battles. Based on these ideas, we would judge one of these two flowers is the motif of this Fuchi part\u2019s design.<\/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

\u00a0You could find the figures of Samurai warriors from the gaps of the Tsukamaki thread. It seems two Samurai are designed on each Menuki. They wear armor, and on some parts, golden colorings partially remain. They have grim expressions on their faces, and they move forward, bringing their weapons. This Menuki depicts the bravery of Samurai warriors. Samurai motifs are often seen on sword mountings. We imagine this theme has encouraged and inspired Samurai warriors on their way to battlefields.<\/span>
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\nTsuba and Habaki<\/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

\u00a0Yatsu-Mokkou-shaped Tsuba. It has a symmetrical shape and design. Four golden dots are inlaid on each side. This Tsuba does not have complicated decorations. However, its plain design matches well with other parts of the Koshirae when this Tsuba is attached to the handle. We hope you will enjoy the beauty of iron material.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0In addition, there is an engraved inscription on the front. It is written as Mitsumasa (\u5149\u6b63). It is the name of this Tsuba\u2019s maker.<\/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>\uff1aNTHK Kanteisho Certificate for the blade<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0NTHK<\/span><\/a>, also known as NPO Nihon Touken Hozon Kai, is the oldest organization for sword authentication of Japanese swords in modern times. It was established in 1889 during the post-Samurai era. They authenticated the blade on Feb. 19th in the 5th year of Reiwa (2023). We are expecting to receive the paper by the end of March. The purchaser will receive this original certificate as well. We can also translate what is written into English and make a PDF file<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span> for your record if you request.<\/p>\n

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Registration Number : <\/span>Saga 6539<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The Board of Education in Saga 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 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.
\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. 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.\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 EMS.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0We normally ship by EMS<\/strong>(Express Mail Service) provided by Japan Post. <\/span>We will send you a tracking number for your order as soon as we hand it to the post office. 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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\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.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/a>
\n\u201cMy experience overall with the whole process was wonderful. I had many questions about the history and process to purchase these treasures. All my questions were answered very timely and complete. The staff is very knowledgeable and very well versed if any questions do arise.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\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