Antique Japanese Sword Katana Kinpun Mei Kanesada with NBTHK Hozon<\/span> Certificate<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u3010Description\u3011<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Summary\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0This blade is attributed to Kanesada (\u517c\u5b9a) by Hon Ami Koson (\u672c\u963f\u5f25\u5149\u905c), one of the most renowned Japanese sword appraisers in modern times. And, NBTHK validated his appraisal. According to NBTHK, the attribution was given to a later-gen Kanesada during the late Muromachi period (mid-late 16th century). We called NBTHK to confirm this information while the certificate doesn’t mention its age. Koson wrote his appraisal with Kinpun (\u91d1\u7c89), which is the mixture of gold powder and lacquer on the tang. His appraisal is also written on the Shirasaya (a plain wooden case).<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0It is said that the first-gen Kanesada, who was active during the early Muromachi period (Late 14th century), was the son of Sanami Kanenori in Seki city, Mino province (Gifu prefecture). And, the second-gen Kanesada was one of the most famous Japanese swordsmiths in Seki-city alongside Kanemoto Magoroku (\u517c\u5143\u5b6b\u516d). The swordsmith name Kanesada lasted a few generations in Mino, and later on, the school moved to the Aizu domain (Fukushima Prefecture).<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Those who forged during the late Muromachi period are called Sue-Seki, and Kanesada is categorized as one of the Sue-Seki swordsmiths. The MINO swordsmiths style, also known as MINO-DEN, basically has the TOGARI(Pointed shapes protruding from the Hamon )in a classic straight line and random temper line with some white Utsuri. MINO-DEN had its origin from YAMATO-DEN in the late KAMAKURA period(1280-1330). It flourished in the MUROMACHI period(1333-1573) and continued until the EDO period(was1603-1868).<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Due to the high demand for weapons, MINO-DEN exceedingly prospered during Sengoku Jidai(Warring State period). And the location of Mino province beat others. Akechi Mitsuhide controlled Mino province, Nobunaga Oda ruled Owari province, and Tokugawa Ieyasu was the lord of Suruga (Neighboring areas). There was high demand from those powerful feudal lords and their retainers. Furthermore, many wars occurred between the Kanto region and the Kyoto area.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Many feudal lords demanded swords forged in the Mino province. Mino is located in the middle, making feudal lords feel convenient to order swords from MINO-DEN. The blades forged in MINO provinces also had the reputation of their practical design and sharpness.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This blade 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n *Please keep in mind that there are a couple of visible Kitae Kizu on this blade. If you like to see the detailed condition, please feel free to contact us.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u3010Blade\u3011<\/span><\/strong> <\/p>\n Hamon<\/strong>:\u00a0<\/span><\/span> <\/p>\n Nakago<\/strong><\/span>: Nakago is the tang of the Japanese sword.<\/strong><\/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 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 <\/p>\n Fuchi-Kashira<\/strong>: A pair of matching sword fittings that cover the upper and bottom parts of its sword hilt.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0This Fuchi Kashira is decorated with autumn-related motifs such as Akimushis (\u79cb\u866b, autumn insect) and Akikusas (\u79cb\u8349, autumn plant). You would find various types of insects, such as mantises and crickets. A mantis is also called the Ogami-Mushi (\u62dd\u307f\u866b) or Inori-Mushi (\u7948\u308a\u866b) in Japanese. Both of these names mean a praying insect. Mantises hold their arms together, and their long wings cover their lower bodies. As this posture looks like a priest who prays to God, a mantis is likened to a \u201cpraying mantis.\u201d A mantis is also said to symbolize the prosperity of descendants because it is prolific and has many children. This insect motif might have been incorporated into designs for sword mountings because of these religious or auspicious meanings. Multiple motifs are carved in a well-balanced manner to fill the gaps and make this highly decorative work.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0One of the flowers designed on this Tsuba is the Kiku (\u83ca, chrysanthemum). A long time ago, the chrysanthemum was used as a medicine for obtaining a long life in the continent, and it was brought to Japan with this thought in the Nara period (648-781). The chrysanthemum symbolizes fall, and people have greatly appreciated it since ancient times. Since its petals form radially, a 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.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Each Menuki is composed of different motifs. The upper side Menuki’s design is a combination of a bow and arrows. These tools are projectile weapons that were created for hunting elusive prey during the evolution of humankind as they entered the stage of hunting. Since ancient times, arrows have been used as a weapon, which is the original purpose of this item. Additionally, each home displayed decorated arrows wishing it would exorcize evil spirits in houses. This talisman is called the Hama-Ya (\u7834\u9b54\u77e2) in Japanese, and this custom is still kept today. Many Samurai warriors loved the arrow pattern as an arrow goes straight forward powerfully.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Another Menuki’s design is a combination of a bow and probably a Hatajirushi (\u65d7\u5370, flag). Flags with letters or family crests on Hatajirushis were used on the battlefield to show one’s affiliation. We could see a family crest: the Gosan-no-Kiri Mon (\u4e94\u4e09\u306e\u6850\u7d0b). It comes from the Kiri (\u6850, paulownia) pattern, and the Gosan-no-Kiri Mon is a popular design that this flower pattern is used. 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. The imperial family and national leaders back then once used this plant pattern. Today, this plant pattern is used as the crest of the Japanese Government. It is permitted to use by ordinary households and is appreciated as their family crests.<\/span><\/p>\n Tsuba and Habaki<\/strong>: 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 \u00a0This Yotsu-Mokkou (\u56db\u30c4\u6728\u74dc) shaped Tsuba has an ornamental look thanks to its design. Golden paint is effectively used here and there, and this coloring adds decorativeness to this work.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The theme of this Tsuba\u2019s design is related to the Junishi (\u5341\u4e8c\u652f, the twelve signs of the Chinese and Japanese zodiac). On the front, clockwise from the apex, you would find the figure of six animals who are the member of this group: Ne (\u5b50, mouse), Ushi (\u4e11, cow), U\/Usagi (\u536f, rabbit), Tatsu (\u8fb0, dragon), Mi (\u5df3, snake), and I\/Inoshishi (\u4ea5, boar).<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0On the other hand, the rest of the six animals are engraved on the backside: Saru (\u7533, monkey), Tora (\u5bc5, tiger), Hitsuji (\u672a, sheep), Tori (\u9149, chicken), \u620c (Inu, dog), and Uma (\u5348, horse). It is challenging to say for certain which is a horse, dog, or boar on this screen; however, judging from the kinds of other animals depicted on this Tsuba, we believe these animals are quoted from the Junishi idea.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The animals assigned to the Junishi are said to have auspicious meanings. For example, mice were treated as a symbol of prosperity because of their high fertility. Cows are a symbol of strength and are said to represent tenacity and loyalty. Tigers symbolize bravery, and rabbits symbolize leaps and progress. The dragon\u2019s symbolism was influenced by continent-derived ideas and regarded as a symbol of power. Snakes were regarded as a symbol of eternity and rebirth because they grow by repeatedly shedding their skin. Other animals have also been thought to have various connotations, such as health, plentiful harvests, safety for families, prosperity in business, etcetra.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0There are various theories about the details of the Junishi legend. Its rough outline is that the twelfth animals that arrived early at the feast that the god held on New Year\u2019s Day were nominated as the representatives for the year. Each animal has a rustic meaning, and the Junishi itself has been treated as a lucky charm in Japan. It is said that the devotion of people who believed in the mysterious power of animals was linked to the Junishi, and the custom of welcoming the god of the year by decorating animal figurines associated with the twelve zodiac signs of the year in the entrance or living room was born. This belief might have inspired this Tsuba\u2019s design.<\/span><\/p>\n Saya<\/strong>: <\/span>Saya is the scabbard for the Japanese sword.\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/span> <\/p>\n Authentication Paper<\/strong>: <\/span>NBTHK Hozon Certificate for the blade (No.3030162)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0NBTHK<\/span><\/a>, 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 14th in the 5th year of Reiwa (2023). 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> for your record if you request.<\/span><\/p>\n Registration Number<\/span><\/strong>: Tokyo 325216<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The Board of Education in Tokyo 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. \u3010About us\u3011<\/span><\/strong> \u3010Japanese Sword& Export Process<\/strong>\u3011<\/span> \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. \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> * 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> \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 * If you live in the UK and like to purchase an authentic Japanese sword, please contact us first and click here<\/span><\/span> <\/a>to know the detail.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u3010Review\u3011<\/strong> \u3010How to make sure the condition\u3011<\/strong><\/span> \u3010How To Contact Us\u3011<\/strong> \u3010The Art of Nihonto (Japanese Sword)<\/strong>\u3011 \u3010A Guide to Japanese Sword Maintenance<\/strong>\u3011<\/span>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/mino_gokaden_0927.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/mino_gokaden_JMAP_0709.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\nCutting Edge Length (Nagasa)<\/span>: 64.3<\/strong> cm ( 25.3 inches)<\/strong><\/span>
\nCurvature (Sori)<\/b>: 1.1 cm (0.43 inches)\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/toushin2-25-scaled.jpg\")
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/toushin-saya2-19-scaled.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\nThe crystalline structure which forms along the cutting edge of a blade as a result of the hardening process.<\/strong>
\nJimon (Jihada)<\/span><\/strong>:<\/span>
\nVisible steel surface pattern created by folding and hammering during forging process.<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/katana-25.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/katana2-25.jpg\")
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/hamon2-24-scaled.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/hamon-25-scaled.jpg\")
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/hada4-scaled.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/hada3-scaled.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/nakago1-21-scaled.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/tuba-up-24-scaled.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/tuka3-24-scaled.jpg\")
\nTsuka and Menuki<\/strong>: Tsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/tuka-23-scaled.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/tuka2-24-scaled.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/tuba-23-scaled.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/saya-24-scaled.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/kantei-24-scaled.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/touroku-24-scaled.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/top-22-scaled.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\n
\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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/5623eabfdde4147c0ecdc704028c6ecd.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n
\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 700 Japanese swords for the past few years (\uff5e2024) to amazing owners who appreciate its historical value.<\/span><\/p>\n
\n<\/span><\/p>\n
\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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/SSL_payment_1222-01-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\n\u00a0We have shipped authentic Japanese swords to the USA, Canada, Mexico, Germany , Belgium, France, Finland, Hong Kong, Australia<\/a><\/span><\/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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/48026a8af882b8fafae180fa48fbd5f4.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\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
\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
\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
\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
\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