{"id":36129,"date":"2023-04-18T14:12:32","date_gmt":"2023-04-18T05:12:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/?post_type=product&p=36129"},"modified":"2023-08-19T23:45:13","modified_gmt":"2023-08-19T14:45:13","slug":"antique-japanese-sword-katana-signed-by-fujiwara-kuniyoshi-nbthk-tokubetsu-hozon-certificate","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/product\/antique-japanese-sword-katana-signed-by-fujiwara-kuniyoshi-nbthk-tokubetsu-hozon-certificate\/","title":{"rendered":"Antique Japanese Sword Katana Signed by Fujiwara Kuniyoshi
NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon<\/strong> <\/span>Certificate"},"content":{"rendered":"

Antique Japanese Sword Katana Signed by Fujiwara Kuniyoshi with <\/span>Tokubetsu Hozon<\/span> <\/span>Certificate<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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

Summary<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0This blade was signed by Bungo no Kami Kuniyoshi (\u8c4a\u5f8c\u5b88\u56fd\u7fa9). Its NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon certificate also says that it was made in Wakasa province (Today\u2019s Fukui prefecture) during the Kanbu era (<\/span>1661-1673<\/span><\/strong>).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Kuniyoshi is known as a younger brother of the first-gen Shinano Kami Nobuyoshi (\u521d\u4ee3\u4fe1\u6fc3\u5b88\u4fe1\u5409), one of the most famous swordsmiths in Yamashiro province (Today\u2019s Kyoto) during the early-mid Edo period. Kuniyoshi belonged to Mishina school, which was prosperous in Yamashiro and Osaka, and other parts of Japan during the Edo period.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Kuniyoshi started his career in Yamashiro province by learning sword-forging techniques from his older brother, the first-gen Shinano Kami Nobuyoshi. After mastering high-level craftmanship, he moved to Omi province (Shiga prefecture) and then Bushu province (Today\u2019s Tokyo). Eventually, he settled in Wakasa province (Fukui prefecture) by being hired by Obama clan. He received the honorable official title of Bungo no Kami in his career.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mishina School<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0Mishina school was founded by the first-gen Mutsu no Kami Omichi (\u9678\u5965\u5b88\u5927\u9053), also known as Kanemichi. It is said that initially, he was from Mino province, exclusively forging blades for Shingen Takeda, a famous feudal lord. Later on, he moved to Kyoto by bringing his four sons and founded his school in Kyoto. Five sons were Iga no Kami Kinmichi(\u4f0a\u8cc0\u5b88\u91d1\u9053)\u3001Izumi no Kami Rai Kinmichi(\u548c\u6cc9\u5b88\u6765\u91d1\u9053), Tanba no Kami Yoshimichi(\u4e39\u6ce2\u5b88\u5409\u9053) and Echu no kami Masatoshi(\u8d8a\u4e2d\u5b88\u6b63\u4fca).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0His sons were known as Kyoto Gokaji(\u4eac\u90fd\u4e94\u935b\u51b6), prestigious swordsmiths forging in Kyoto in the early Edo period. Mishina school was prosperous throughout the Edo period and spread to other parts of Japan, such as Osaka. The superb craftsmanship of the Mishina school was passed down for generations.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0 It is appraised as a Tokubetsu Hozon Token <\/strong>(\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 and high quality with artistic value.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u3010 Blade\u3011<\/span><\/strong>
\nCutting Edge Length (Nagasa)<\/span><\/strong>: 73.0 cm (28.7 inches)\u3000<\/strong>
\nCurvature (Sori)<\/span><\/strong>: 1.6 cm (0.63 inches)<\/strong><\/p>\n

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

This Fuchi Kashira has a decorative look. The Kiri (\u6850, paulownia) flowers are designed on it. The surfaces of the flowers, grass and branches were painted with gold, and its bright color is still partially preserved. The same type of gold coloring is seen in another sword mounting, which will be described later, adding a gorgeousness to the appearance of this Koshirae.<\/p>\n

The Kiri pattern is generally composed of three standing straight inflorescences and three leaves. The number of blooming flowers at each inflorescence means the ranks of this design. In this Fuchi Kashira, paulownias are drawn relatively realistically; the Gosan-no-Kiri Monyou (\u4e94\u4e09\u306e\u6850\u6587\u69d8) is a popular design that the paulownia motif is used. This pattern was once used by the imperial family and people in authority back then. Today, it is permitted to use by ordinary households and is appreciated as their family crests. According to a tradition, the Houou (\u9cf3\u51f0, Fenghuang, a kind of sacred beast) rests its wings at the paulownia tree; therefore, it has come to be regarded as a sacred plant. In this way, this plant motif has been familiar to people since ancient times.<\/p>\n

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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

Different flowers are designed on each Menuki. Although most colorings have already faded due to aging, we could see golden paints were initially applied to these plant motifs. We are unsure what kind of flower is engraved on the lower side Menuki; however, the upper side Menuki, its motif is the Kiku (\u83ca, chrysanthemum). Same as the Kiri pattern, this plant design is also favored among people for long time. Chrysanthemums were once used as medicines for obtaining a long life on the continent, and it was brought to Japan with this thought in the Nara period (648-781). Chrysanthemum is one of the flowers which symbolizes fall, and people have greatly appreciated it since ancient times. As its petals form radially, the chrysanthemum has been likened to the sun. That is why this flower pattern is treated as the symbol of perpetual youth and longevity or good health.<\/p>\n

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Tsuba 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.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

This oval-shaped iron Tsuba has the same design on both sides. A geometric floral design resembling snowflakes is designed on the entire surface, and these are probably inlaid with brass. The color of antique iron and the deep gold color of brass create an elegant color contrast. The fine unevenness on the iron’s surface and the brass’s discoloration give it a rich texture that has been created over time. We hope you enjoy it as an antique texture.<\/p>\n

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\nSaya<\/strong><\/span>: Saya is the scabbard for the Japanese sword.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Authentication Paper<\/strong><\/span>: NBTHK TOKUBETSU Hozon Certificate for the blade (No. 1016947)<\/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 Dec. 3rd in the 3rd year of Reiwa (2021). 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><\/span> for your record if you request.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Registration Number<\/span><\/strong>: <\/span>Chiba 22631<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The Board of Education in Chiba 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<\/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.
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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. 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.<\/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. <\/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 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><\/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 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