Antique Japanese Sword Wakizashi Signed by the late-gen Echizen Yasutsugu with NBTHK Tokubestsu<\/span> Hozon<\/span> Certificate<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u3010Description\u3011<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Summary<\/span><\/strong> First-gen Yasutsugu<\/span><\/strong> \u00a0By Hideyasu\u2019s recommendation, the first-gen Yasutsugu became Okakaekaji for the Tokugawa shogun family, meaning that he exclusively forged swords for the Shogun family. Yasutsu was acknowledged by the first and second Tokugawa Shoguns, Tokugawa Ieyasu, and Tokugawa Hidetada. <\/span>The first-gen Yasutsugu received \u5eb7(YASU) from Tokugawa Ieyasu and changed his maker\u2019s name. He was also allowed to inscribe the holly oak symbol(family crest of Tokugawa) on the tang.<\/span><\/p>\n Fascinating History of the third-gen Echizen Yasutsugu<\/span><\/strong> \u00a0When the second-gen Yasutsugu was deceased in the third year of Seiho(1646), the next heir of the school, the first son of the second-gen, was just 17 years old. His name was Umanosuke<\/strong>\u00a0(\u53f3\u99ac\u52a9). Because of his young age, there was a dispute within the Echizen Yasutsugu school over who would become the third head of Yasutsugu school.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The students of the second-gen Yasutsugu and Shogun\u2019s arms office supported Umanosuke to be the third-gen Yasutsugu. However, Shirouemon, the third son of the first-gen Yasutsugu, insisted that he should be the one to take over his father\u2019s school and property. Shirouemon was a younger brother of the second-gen Yasutsugu.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0This dispute was eventually solved in such an interesting manner. Yasutusu school decided to have two third-gen Yasutsugu. While Umanosuke was officially appointed as the heir of Yasutsu school and became the third-gen Yasutsugu in Edo city, Shirouemon founded the Echizen Yasutsugu school. From this point, there were two branches of Yasutsugu school; Edo and Echizen.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Back then, Yasutsugu swordsmiths were requested to forge swords in Echizen and Edo back and forth every year, but this tradition ended after this dispute was settled. <\/span>Echizen Yasutsugu lasted for the 9th generation, and Edo Yasutsugu school lasted for the 12th generation from the third-gen Yasutsugu.\u00a0<\/span>The third-gen Echizen Yasutsugu was allowed to inscribe a holly oak symbol, which suggests that his craftsmanship was highly regarded among Tokugawa Shogunate back then.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u00a0This blade 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n *Please keep in mind that there is partial black rust and Kitae Kizu on the Mune. If you like to see the detailed condition, please feel free to contact us.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n *Please keep in mind that the Koshirae for this Wakizashi has the size for a Katana sword. If you like to know the measurement of the total length of the blade and Koshirae, please feel free to contact us.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n \u3010Blade\u3011<\/span><\/strong> <\/p>\n Hamon<\/strong><\/span>\uff1a <\/p>\n Nakago<\/strong>\uff1aNakago is the tang of the Japanese sword.<\/strong><\/p>\n Japanese 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.<\/p>\n 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 \u00a0We think this Wakizashi’s Koshire has the theme: autumn. It is because we could find motifs related to this season. For example, please look at the Fuchi Kashira, Menuki, Tsuba, and Kozuka. You would find the figures of the same animal except Menuki. And this animal is the rabbit. The Kanji (\u6f22\u5b57, a type of Japanese character) letter for a rabbit is written as “\u514e” in Japanese. Since the shape of this character is similar to the Kanji “\u514d (it means avoid),” it is said that this animal design wards off bad luck and misfortune. In addition, rabbits have high reproductive ability, so they are a symbol of offspring prosperity and safe delivery. And the figure of a rabbit jumping forward is a symbol of “things will be solved without problems.” This animal is closely related to the moon, as there is the idea that there is a rabbit on the moon.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0However, in this Wakizashi’s Koshirae, rather than only rabbits themselves, we could see designs that evoke the feeling of autumn by combining them with rabbits. This characteristic is particularly evident in the design of the Tsuba. In the screen’s foreground, you could see a rabbit looking up at the sky and gazing at a crescent moon floating in the night sky. Several types of plants grow around this rabbit, and one of which is the Susuki (\u8584\/\u8292, Japanese pampas grass). This plant has been used as an offering to Gods. And some people have used it as an amulet to protect people from evil spirits. Also, in Japan, there is a group of plants that represent the autumn season that is called the Aki-no Nanakusa (\u79cb\u306e\u4e03\u8349, the seven flowers of autumn). The Susuki is included in this group, and it shows how long this plant has been familiar to Japanese people.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0In addition, there is an idea that rabbits are on the moon. The moon is read as “Tsuki (\u6708),” and the expression “\u30c4\u30ad\u304c\u3042\u308b (Tsuki-ga-aru),” which means “having luck,” could be found. This is also one of the reasons why rabbits have been treated as auspicious existences. In Japan, there is a custom called the Jugoya (\u5341\u4e94\u591c), in which people give thanks for the harvest while appreciating the Chushu-no Meigetsu (\u4e2d\u79cb\u306e\u540d\u6708), which is said to be the most beautiful day of the year. This day falls in the middle of autumn according to the lunar calendar, and in modern times, it falls around mid-September to early October. The moon on this night is not often full; it is customary to feel gratitude while looking at the beautiful moon. It was originally introduced from the continent, and in Japan, pampas grass was offered as a talisman in addition to dumplings and autumn-harvested crops.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Now, let’s focus on the design of the Menuki. You would find each Menuki is composed of several flowers. And one of them is the Kiku (\u83ca, chrysanthemum). Chrysanthemum flowers are also the item of Chouyou-no Sekku (\u91cd\u967d\u306e\u7bc0\u53e5, September 9th). People decorate chrysanthemum flowers and enjoy Sake with chrysanthemum petals floating to pray for longevity and good health.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0We believe the sword mountings of this Wakizashi were intentionally selected due to their emotional design that evokes the autumn atmosphere that speaks to Japanese people.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Fuchi-Kashira<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aA pair of matching sword fittings that cover the upper and bottom parts of its sword hilt.<\/span><\/strong> \u00a0<\/span> 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> Kozuka<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aKozuka is a small knife stored in Kozuka Hitsu(groove of the sheath of the Japanese sword).<\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Saya<\/strong><\/span>\uff1a Saya is the scabbard for the Japanese sword.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Authentication Paper<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aNBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate for the blade (No. 1015140)<\/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 Aug 25th in the 5th year of Reiwa <\/span>\u00a0(2023). 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> for your record if you request.<\/span><\/p>\n Registration Number :\u00a0<\/span>Toyama 20603<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span> \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>
\n\u00a0This blade was forged by Echizen Yasutsugu(\u8d8a\u524d\u5eb7\u7d99). The signature also has AOI Mon (holly oak symbol). The certificate mentions that it was created by a late-gen Echizen Yasutsugu. Based on the characteristic of the blade, we assume it was signed by the third-gen Echizen Yasutsugu. <\/span>The third-gen Yasutsugu was especially active in sword-forging during the Kanbun era(Early Edo period: <\/span>1661-1673<\/span><\/strong>). He was the third son of the first-gen Yasutsugu, one of the most famous swordsmiths during the early Edo period.<\/span><\/p>\n
\n\u00a0It is said that the first-gen Yasutsugu was born in Shimosaka town in Shiga prefecture at the end of the Muromachi period(Late 16 century ). He built his career there until the beginning of the Keicho era(1596). However, he moved to Echizen province due to the relocation of the lord he served. He eventually was noticed and supported by Matsudaira Hideyasu, the third son of Tokugawa Ieyasu, who was the founder of the Edo government. Hideysu was the feudal lord of Echizen province during the early Edo period. <\/span>With the support of Hideyasu, the first-gen Yasutsugu established the Echizen Shimosaka school. And his school\u2019s fame became nationwide.<\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/echizen_OCMOJ_0802.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/echizen_JMAP_0709.jpg\")
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\n\u00a0The first gen Yasutsugu died in 1621, and his first son took over the school and became the second-gen Yasutsugu. The second gen was deceased in 1646. As we explained earlier, the third-gen Echizen Yastsugu was the third son of the first-gen Yasutsugu. His real name was\u00a0<\/span>Shirouemon<\/span><\/strong>(\u56db\u90ce\u53f3\u885b\u9580).<\/span><\/p>\n
\nCutting Edge Length(Nagasa)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a 53.8<\/strong> cm ( 21.2 <\/strong>inches)<\/strong><\/span>
\nCurvature(Sori)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a1.21<\/strong> cm (0.47 inches)\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/tousin3-scaled.jpg\")
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/toushin-saya2-15-scaled.jpg\")
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\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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/katana-31.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/katana2-31.jpg\")
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/hamon2-31-scaled.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/hamon-32-scaled.jpg\")
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/hada-32-scaled.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/hada2-32-scaled.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/nkago1-scaled.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/tuba-up-27-scaled.jpg\")
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\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/tuka3-29-scaled.jpg\")
\nTsuka and Menuki<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aTsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/tuka-27-scaled.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/tuka2-30.jpg\")
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\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/tuba-27-scaled.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/kozuka2-8-scaled.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/kozuka-9-scaled.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/saya-29-scaled.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/kantei-30-scaled.jpg\")
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\n\u00a0The Board of Education in Toyama 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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/touroku-26-scaled.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/top-31-scaled.jpg\")
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\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\")
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\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
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\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\")
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\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\")
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\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