{"id":36006,"date":"2023-04-13T12:49:28","date_gmt":"2023-04-13T03:49:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/?post_type=product&p=36006"},"modified":"2023-07-06T00:54:50","modified_gmt":"2023-07-05T15:54:50","slug":"antique-japanese-sword-katana-signed-by-hizenkoku-tada-late-gen-tadayoshinbthk-hozon-certificate","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/product\/antique-japanese-sword-katana-signed-by-hizenkoku-tada-late-gen-tadayoshinbthk-hozon-certificate\/","title":{"rendered":"Antique Japanese Sword Katana Signed by Hizenkoku Tada (Late-gen Tadayoshi)
NBTHK Hozon <\/span>Certificate"},"content":{"rendered":"

Antique Japanese Sword Katana Signed by Hizen Koku Tada (Late-gen Tadayoshi) with<\/span>\u00a0Hozon<\/span> <\/span>Certificate<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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

\u00a0This blade was signed by Hizen Koku Tadayoshi during the late Edo period while Yoshi (\u5409) was cut due to Suriage (Size adjustment). We called NBTHK and they told that the attribution is given to the late-gen Tadayoshi from the late Edo period (Early- Mid 19th century). Hizen Koku is where Tadayoshi forged blades.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The swordsmith name Tadayoshi lasted 9th generations from the Azuchi Momoyama-Edo period (1572-1868). During the Edo period, they served the Nabeshima clan, who ruled the Saga domain where Hizen province was located.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The First Generation Tadayoshi<\/span><\/strong>
\n\u00a0The first-gen Tadayoshi was born and raised in the Saga domain. In 1596, under the domain\u2019s order, he went to Kyoto to learn the sword-forging technique from Umetada Myojyu(\u57cb\u5fe0\u660e\u5bff), one of the greatest swordsmiths in the early Edo period. He improved his craftsmanship and returned to the Saga domain two years later (1598). <\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The first head of the Nabeshima clan, Nabeshima Katsushige, appreciated the work of the first-gen Tadayoshi very much. Then, Katsushige appointed him as his Okakaekaji, a swordsmith who exclusively forged swords for a specific domain or clan. And Tadayoshi started to stay near Saga castle, which is the headquarter of the Nabeshima clan. And, he founded Hizen Tadayoshi school, which trained more than 100 swordsmiths during the Edo period. The generation of Tadayoshi served Nabeshima clan by the end of the Edo period.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hizen Province<\/span><\/strong>
\n\u00a0The swordsmiths in the Hizen province worked under the auspices of the Nabeshima clan like Tadayoshi. They could produce beautiful Jigan<\/span>e-patterned blades, also known as Hizen To, using and mixing carbon steel made in western countries. Hizenkoku had been flourishing by international trading. The geographic location of this domain made it possible to have easy access to western carbon steel.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0It is appraised as a Hozon Touken <\/strong>(\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 and high quality with artistic value.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u3010 Blade\u3011<\/span><\/strong>
\nCutting Edge Length (Nagasa)<\/b>:<\/span> <\/span>61.6 cm (24.3 inches)<\/strong><\/span>
\nCurvature (Sori)<\/b>: 1.7<\/strong><\/span><\/span> cm (0.67 inches)<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Hamon<\/strong>:\u00a0<\/span><\/span>
\nThe crystalline structure which forms along the cutting edge of a blade as a result of the hardening process.<\/strong><\/span>
\nJimon (Jihada)<\/span><\/strong>:\u00a0<\/span>
\nVisible steel surface pattern created by folding and hammering during forging process.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Nakago<\/strong>: <\/span>Nakago 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: Koshirae 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> A pair of matching sword fittings that cover the upper and bottom parts of its sword hilt.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0The wave pattern is engraved on this Fuchi Kashira. The same design is carved on the Tsuba and Kojiri (\u943a, the metal fitting that protects the tip of a scabbard). All parts are in the same style, and the rough movement of the crests of waves colliding with each other is expressed in a precise depiction.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Since waves\u2019 movements continue endlessly, the wave pattern represents eternity, immortality, longevity, birth, etcetera. Also, since tides repeatedly change the shape and terrain of rocks, some people hoped for a strong will by using this motif. People used this pattern wishing for an indomitable spirit to rechallenge time and time without giving up.<\/span>
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\nTsuka and Menuki<\/strong>: <\/span>Tsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0You would find the figure of a dragon through the gaps of the Tsukamaki thread. While most colorings have faded due to aging, we could see the traces that golden paint was initially applied to each Menuki. Originally, the dragon was an imaginary creature found in ancient foreign traditions or myths. Furthermore, it is regarded as a symbolic beast of auspicious signs. Its body is likened to nine animals: antlers are deer, the head is a camel, eyes are demons, the neck is a snake, the belly is the Mizuchi (\u86df, a mythical animal in Japan that looks like a snake and has a horn and four legs), scales are fish, claws are falcons, palms are tigers, and ears are cows. It was thought that the dragon would reign at the top of all animals because of its odd-looking appearance.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0If you focus on the lower side dragon\u2019s hand, you will find that this dragon brings a ball-shaped object in its hand. It is the Nyoi Houju (\u5982\u610f\u5b9d\u73e0, Cint\u0101ma\u1e47i), a fantasy jewel that fulfills any desire and gives out treasure, clothes, food, and drinks. Moreover, it heals illness and suffering, removes evils, purifies muddy water, and prevents disasters. It is said this magical item is taken from the brain of the dragon king.<\/span>
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\nTsuba and Habaki<\/strong>: <\/span>Tsuba 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<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0As mentioned above, this Tsuba’s design is similar to the Fuchi Kashira and Kojiri. There is an engraved inscription at the center part, and it seems it is carved as follows: \u7687\u5802 \u58fd\u968f. We are unsure how it reads, but we believe it shows the name of the metalworker who made this Tsuba.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Looking at the design of each sword mounting in turn, we notice that this Koshirae’s metal parts combine dragon and wave patterns. In Japan, there is a belief that worships the dragon is the water god. It is said that this is a combination of the water god faith that has existed in Japan since ancient times and the dragon belief that was brought to Japan from the continent. In ancient Japanese water god worship, the water god was said to take the form of a giant serpent. However, in this dragon god worship, the god transformed into a dragon. In addition, this belief is also related to the sea god faith. In this way, the combination of dragons and wave patterns reminds us of water-related thoughts. The idea of these religions might have inspired this Koshirae’s design.<\/span>
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Saya<\/strong>: <\/span>Saya is the scabbard for the Japanese sword.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0This black lacquered scabbard has a highly decorative look. Many kinds of autumn plants are arranged and depicted in a well-balanced manner on an elegant black background made of black lacquer. This masterpiece shows the proficiency of the artisan of the time.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The Aki-no Nanakusa (\u79cb\u306e\u4e03\u8349, the seven flowers of autumn) is a group of plants that represent the autumn season. For example, the Japanese bellflower, Japanese pampas grass, bush clover, and kudzu vine are included in this group. The design that combines flowers that grow naturally in the autumn field (chrysanthemum, in this case) with the seven autumn flowers is called the Akikusa (\u79cb\u8349, autumn plant) pattern. It has been favored as a tasteful motif among Japanese people.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Authentication Paper<\/strong>: <\/span>NBTHK Hozon Certificate for the blade (No. 308807)<\/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 Sep. 30th in the 62nd year of Showa (1987). They appraised it as Hozon Touken, the blade 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><\/span> for your record if you request.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Registration Number: <\/span><\/span>Nagano 54771<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The Board of Education in Nagano 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.
\n\u00a0The 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.
\n\u00a0This 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><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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\u3010About us\u3011<\/strong><\/span>
\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.
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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 an export permit. If you live in Japan, please click here <\/span><\/a>before you make a purchase.<\/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<\/strong>, USD<\/strong>, AUD<\/strong>, CAD<\/strong>, EUR<\/strong>, 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u3010Shipping\u3011<\/strong><\/span>
\n\u00a0We have shipped authentic Japanese swords to the USA, UK, Canada, Mexico, Germany, 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. 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 take 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><\/span><\/p>\n

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\u3010Review\u3011<\/strong><\/span>
\n\u00a0Here is one of the reviews we received from a customer who purchased an authentic Japanese sword from us.<\/span> 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. 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><\/span>
\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 website. Please click one of them to reach us. We will reply to you within 1-2 business days.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u3010The Art of Nihonto (Japanese Sword) <\/strong>\u3011<\/span>
\n\u00a0Samurai’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,<\/span> please click here.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\u3010A Guide to Japanese Sword Maintenance<\/strong>\u3011<\/span>
\n\u00a0After acquiring a 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