{"id":40644,"date":"2023-08-31T21:45:38","date_gmt":"2023-08-31T12:45:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/?post_type=product&p=40644"},"modified":"2023-09-09T09:46:52","modified_gmt":"2023-09-09T00:46:52","slug":"antique-japanese-sword-tanto-attributed-to-soshu-tsunahiro-nbthk-hozon-certificate-and-tokubetsu-kicho-kodogu-with-the-urushi-box","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/product\/antique-japanese-sword-tanto-attributed-to-soshu-tsunahiro-nbthk-hozon-certificate-and-tokubetsu-kicho-kodogu-with-the-urushi-box\/","title":{"rendered":"Antique Japanese Sword Tanto Attributed to Soshu Tsunahiro
NBTHK Hozon <\/span>Certificate and Tokubetsu Kicho Kodogu with the Urushi box"},"content":{"rendered":"

Antique Japanese Sword Tanto Attributed to Soshu Tsunahiro with <\/span>Hozon<\/span> <\/span>Certificate<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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

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

\u00a0This blade is attributed to Soshu Tsunahiro (\u76f8\u5dde\u7db1\u5ee3<\/strong>) during the Shin Shin To era (Late Edo period). The maker\u2019s name Tsunahiro lasted 15 generations, from the late Muromachi period to the Meiji era. And based on its appraisal and their active period, we believe the attribution was given to the 10-13 generation.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The first-gen Tsunahiro was one of the most prominent figures in Soshu region (Today\u2019s Kanagawa prefecture) during the late Muromachi period (Eisho era: 1504-1521). He was an offspring of Hiromasa, one of the most famous swordsmiths in Soshu region during the Nanbokucho era. The first-gen Tsunahiro originally resided in Kamakura city but moved to Odawara area, being invited by Go Hojo clan, a strong feudal line controlling Odawara area. The maker\u2019s name Tsuna was given by the second-gen head of the clan, Hojyo Ujitsuna (\u5317\u6761\u6c0f\u7db1), who had the same letter in his name. This fact indicates that the first-gen Tsunahiro was highly regarded by Go Hojo clan. The second-gen Tsunahiro served Tokugawa Ieyasu.<\/span><\/p>\n

Soshu Den<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0Swordsmiths residing in Soshu province (Today’s Kanagawa prefecture) used a particular sword-forging tradition called Soshu Den. <\/span>Shoshu Den was born in the middle of the Kamakura period (mid 13th century). Back then, the Yamato and Yamashiro traditions were highly developed, and there were a few renowned swordsmiths from those regions. However, the sword-forging practice was in its infancy in the Kanto area, where the Soshu region was located.<\/p>\n

\u00a0At the beginning of the Kamakura government, which was established in 1185, the first Shogun, Minamoto Yoritomo, prioritized making a lot of rules to have its political stability. And he couldn\u2019t afford to hire swordsmiths within the same region or train them. Therefore, the Kamakura government originally ordered weapons to the swordsmiths in the other areas, such as Yamato and Yamashiro.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0But, since the government was established, the demand for weapons increased exponentially in the government, and they had to figure out how to meet those demands from Samurai who served Kamakura shogunate. Then, the 5th head of the Shogun, Hojo Tokiyori, invited two renowned swordsmiths from other parts of Japan. They were Awataguchi Kunitsuna from Yamashiro province and Bizen Saburo Kunimune from Bizen province. And the 7th-gen Shogun Koreyasu Shino also invited Fukuoka Ichimonji Sukezane from Bizen province.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0It is said that those three swordsmiths played an essential role in creating the Soshu Den and making the foundation of the Soshu Den. Also another famous figure in the Soshu den is Intou Kunimitsu, an adopted son of Awataguchi Knitsuna. And Kunimitsu passed his excellent craftsmanship to Yukimitsu, his apprentice. And Masamune, one of the most famous swordsmiths in Japanese history, was an apprentice of Yukimitsu.\u00a0 And Masamune was the one that brought Shoshuden to nationwide fame. The tradition Masamune completed became an example of other swordsmiths who learned Soshu Den. Also, Soshu Den influenced many renowned swordsmiths during the Koto- Shinto era. One of examples is Inoue Shinkai from Osaka and Suishinshi Masahide from Edo.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Lacquer Storage Box<\/strong><\/p>\n

This Tanto comes with a beautiful lacquered box that has Shimazu family crest. You can store the Koshirae inside this box.<\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0This blade is appraised as a Hozon Token(\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

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\u3010 Blade\u3011<\/span><\/strong>
\nCutting Edge Length(Nagasa)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a21.5 cm (8.46 inches)<\/strong><\/span>
\nCurvature(Sori)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a\u00a0 0 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), Kozuka.<\/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

\u00a0You would find the figure of an animal similar to a dog. We believe this animal is the Karajishis (\u5510\u7345\u5b50). The Shishi (\u7345\u5b50) means a lion in Japanese, and the Karajishi is a lion brought from the continent to Japan in the Toh period (\u5510, Tang dynasty, 618-907). The Karajishi typically has curly hair for its head, neck, body, and tail. A simplified pattern of this curly hair is carved as the body hair pattern of the Karajishi on this Tsuba. In Buddhism, the Karajishi is regarded as a symbol of wisdom, and Monju Bosatu (\u6587\u6b8a\u83e9\u85a9, Manjushri Bodhisattva) rides lions. According to a theory, the Karajishi is the origin of Komainu (\u72db\u72ac, stone guardian dogs that exorcize evil spirits). It shows this beast motif has been familiar to Japanese people since ancient times.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Tsuka and Menuki<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aTsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0A family crest is designed on the Menuki, Kougai, and Kozuka Hitsu. It is called Uroko Mon. Uroko means scale, and Mon means family crest. Triangle shapes are combined to make this crest. The name Uroko Mon came from its appearance, resembling the scale of a snake or dragon. This kind of pattern existed in the ancient time in the world. It is believed that this symbol wards off evil spirits. This crest is also known as the Hjo clan\u2019s family crest, one of the most influential Samurai families.<\/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

\u00a0Dragon is design on the rim of this Tsuba.Initially, the dragon is an imaginary creature found in ancient Chinese 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, belly is Mizuchi (\u86df, mythical animal in Japan which looks like a snake and have 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

\u00a0Also, in Japan, there is a belief that worships dragon as a water god and is called Ryujin Shinkou (\u7adc\u795e\u4fe1\u4ef0). Since rice cultivation flourished in this country, water is always an essential resource. Therefore, the dragon motif has been familiar to Japanese people since a long time ago.<\/span>
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Kozuka<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aKozuka is a small knife stored in Kozuka Hitsu(groove of the sheath of the Japanese sword).<\/b>
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Kougai<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aKougai is the equipment for Samurai to arrange or fix his hair style.<\/strong>
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Saya<\/strong><\/span>\uff1a Saya is the scabbard for the Japanese sword.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Authentication Paper<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aNBTHK Hozon Certificate for the blade (No.3031820) and Tokubetsu Kicho Kodogu for the Koshirae (No. 121)<\/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 May 31st in the 5th year of Reiwa (2023) and the sword mounting on April 24th in the 43th year of the Showa era (1968). They appraised the blade as Hozon Touken, the blade worth preserving for Japanese society and Tokubetsu Kodogu. 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 : Nagano 6597<\/span><\/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.
\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.
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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.<\/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