{"id":47614,"date":"2024-03-06T22:37:17","date_gmt":"2024-03-06T13:37:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/?post_type=product&p=47614"},"modified":"2024-10-03T22:58:22","modified_gmt":"2024-10-03T13:58:22","slug":"antique-japanese-sword-tanto-attributed-to-masazane-nbthk-hozon-certificate","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/product\/antique-japanese-sword-tanto-attributed-to-masazane-nbthk-hozon-certificate\/","title":{"rendered":"Antique Japanese Sword Tanto attributed to Masazane
NBTHK Hozon <\/span>Certificate"},"content":{"rendered":"

Antique Japanese Sword Tanto attributed to Masazane 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 Satsushu Nirei Masazane (\u85a9\u5dde\u4ec1\u793c\u6b63\u771f), who was active during the Bunka era (1804-1818: Late Edo period). He is also known as Satsushu Regoro. He was an apprentice of Hoki no Kami Masayuki(\u4f2f\u8006\u5b88\u6b63\u5e78).<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Satsuma province had a high ratio of Samurai population compared to other parts of Japan. And they are famous for their military power ruled by Shimazu clan. We assume a swordsmith needed to be very skilled to stay active and popular in this demanding place.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\" \"\"<\/p>\n

Hoki no Kami Masayuki (His master)<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0Masayuki was born in the 18th year of the Kyoho era(1733)as the first son of the second-gen Ijichi Masayoshi(\u4f0a\u5730\u77e5\u6b63\u826f). Masayuki first called himself Masayoshi(third-generation Masayoshi) after taking over his father\u2019s school. And in the first year of Kanei(1769), he received Hoki no Kami (\u4f2f\u8006\u5b88) as an official title and changed his maker\u2019s name to Masayuki. He passed down the maker\u2019s name, \u201cMasayoshi\u201d name to his first son. Masayuki died at the age of 86 in the first year of 1818. We believed he reached the pinnacle of his career when he forged this blade and you can see excellent quality.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Masayuki was one of the most famous swordsmiths in the Satsuma domain(Kagoshima prefecture) in the late Edo period, apart from Okuyamato no Kami Motohira. It is said that Masayuki was passionate about training his students. There were 60 swordsmiths who learned the sword-forging technique under Masayuki.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What is Tanto?\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0It was initially used as a supplemental weapon for Samurai on horseback, who used a pole weapon or long sword in the Kamaura-Muromachi period. Samurai aimed at an unprotected area of his enemy\u2019s armor with Tanto while having to fight with close distance.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0TANTO was named accordingly, depending on how you carry it, such as HUTOKORO-GATANA (\u61d0\u5200; Stomach-Sword) or KOSHI-GATANA(\u8170\u5200; Waist-Sword) or elsewise. TANTO was also a gift for a bride from her family in a traditional Japanese wedding, as it is believed that TANTO would be divine protection from evil power.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\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

*Please keep in mind that there is a couple of Kitae Kizu on Mune (backbone) of this blade. If you like to see the detailed condition, please feel free to contact us.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u3010 Blade\u3011<\/span><\/strong>
\nCutting Edge Length(Nagasa)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a29.4 cm (11.6 inches)<\/strong><\/span>
\nCurvature(Sori)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a 0.2 cm (0.08 inches)<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"
\n\"\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\"\" \"\"
\n\"\" \"\"
\n\"\" \"\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Kissaki<\/strong>: <\/span>Kissaki is the tip\u00a0of the Japanese sword.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\"\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\"\"<\/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.\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0This Fuchi Kashira depicts a full moon night scene. The moon is floating over the mountainside on each Fuchi and Kashira part. While some of the golden coloring has already faded due to aging, the entire surface of this Fuchi Kashira seems to have been painted with bright gold paint. This coloring enhances the mysterious impression of a moonlit night, adding decorativeness to this Koshirae.<\/span>
\n\"\" \"\"<\/p>\n

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

\u00a0It is challenging to judge the motifs of this Menuki by examining the gaps in the Tsukamaki thread. From what we could see, we estimate these are bags or baskets. Judging from the relationship with the design of this Koshirae’s Tsuba, the motifs of this Menuki might be baskets for holding fish.<\/span>
\n\"\" \"\"<\/p>\n

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

\u00a0The surface of this Tsuba is decorated with the Nanako-Ji (\u9b5a\u5b50\u5730) technique. This process makes a uniform minimal protrusions pattern by hitting the Nanako-Ji Tagane (\u9b5a\u5b50\u5730\u93e8, a chisel for this technique) on a metal surface. This decorative technique is often seen on sword mountings.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0This oval-shaped Tsuba has Kozuka and Kougai holes, and you could find the Mei (\u9298, engraved inscription) around the Nakago Hitsu (\u830e\u6ac3, Tsuba’s center hole). It is challenging to read because the typeface used here is old, and some engraving lines have blurred over time. We believe the name of this Tsuba’s maker is written here.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0About the design, this Tsuba depicts the scenery at the waterside. You spot a man standing on the shore, looking at the sky. His smiling face-we could almost see his teeth-is impressive. He carries a fishing rod over his right shoulder and holds a sea bream in his left hand. Sea bream is a good-luck bringer, so it has often been used for celebrations. Also, this fish is a symbol of the Ebisu (\u6075\u6bd4\u5bff) God, who is a member of the Shichifukujin (\u4e03\u798f\u795e, the Seven Gods of Good Fortune). The Ebisu God usually has a fishing pole and a sea bream, so initially, he was the God of fishing. Ports will be done well by the comings and goings of ships. Safe voyages will bring profitable businesses; therefore, the Ebisu became famous as the God of trade. In addition, it is believed to be the God of good match or wealth in some areas. Based on these pieces of information, we think the man who is depicted on this Tsuba is the Ebisu god. He is said to be the third child of the two gods Izanami (\u30a4\u30b6\u30ca\u30df) and Izanagi (\u30a4\u30b6\u30ca\u30ae), and because he did not walk even after he was three years old, he was put on a ship and abandoned. And he washed ashore on the beach, he was later carefully worshiped by the people there. It is said to be the beginning of the Ebisu god faith. Therefore, it is understandable that a boat is depicted on the backside of this Tsuba.<\/span>
\n\"\"<\/p>\n

Saya<\/strong><\/span>\uff1a Saya is the scabbard for the Japanese sword.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Authentication Paper<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aNBTHK Hozon Certificate for the blade (No. 373321)<\/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 March 29th in the 18th year of Heisei (2006). They appraised it as Tokubetsu 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

\"\"<\/p>\n

Registration Number : Kagoshima 14373<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The Board of Education in Kagoshima 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

\"\"<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

—————————————————————–<\/p>\n

\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

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\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 700 Japanese swords for the past few years (\uff5e2024) 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.
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

\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

\"\"<\/p>\n

* 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, 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

\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

\"\"<\/p>\n

\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