{"id":48891,"date":"2024-03-28T23:01:22","date_gmt":"2024-03-28T14:01:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/?post_type=product&p=48891"},"modified":"2024-12-05T14:15:07","modified_gmt":"2024-12-05T05:15:07","slug":"modern-japanese-sword-katana-signed-by-gassan-sadakatsu-nbthk-tokubetsu-hozon-certificate-2","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/product\/modern-japanese-sword-katana-signed-by-gassan-sadakatsu-nbthk-tokubetsu-hozon-certificate-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Modern Japanese Sword Katana Signed by Gassan Sadakatsu
NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon<\/strong> <\/span>Certificate"},"content":{"rendered":"

Modern Japanese Sword Katana Signed by Gassan Sadakatsu with <\/span>Tokubetsu Hozon<\/span> <\/span>Certificate<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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

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

This blade was signed by Osaka Jyunin Gassan Sadakatsu (\u5927\u962a\u4f4f\u6708\u5c71\u8c9e\u52dd) in Nov the 9th year of the Taisho era (1920). Osaka Jyu means that he lived in Osaka when he forged this blade. Gassan is the name of a prestigious school.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Gassan Sadakatsu was born in Osaka in the second year of the Meiji era (1869) as the son of Gassan Sadakazu and grandson of<\/span> Gassan Sadayoshi, two of the most famous swordsmiths during the late Edo-early Meiji period.<\/span> Sadakatsu learned sword-forging techniques from his father in his childhood. You can barely find the blades signed by him before the 7th year of the Taisho era (1918) because he dedicated himself to assisting his father. In that sense, this blade is very rare one. From the 10th year of the Taiso era (1920), his craftsmanship was highly recognized by Ichiki Kitokuro, Minister of the Imperial House. And, Sadakatsu was assigned to forge blades for the imperial family members. Sadakatsu also forged many blades for the Japanese navy\/army generals.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0After his father, Gassan Sadakazu, deceased, Sadakatsu took over Gassan school and trained many skilled apprentices. Gassan Sadakazu, his third son, and Takahashi Sadatugu, his apprentice, became the national treasures of Japan in their career. Sadakatsu died on December 24th, 1943.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u00a0Gassan is the name of the school he belonged to. It was initially founded during the Heian period(late 12th century). It is said that the school name \u201cGassan\u201d (\u6708\u5c71) came from the fact that they forged swords near the mountain called Gassan in Dewakoku.<\/span><\/p>\n

Gassan Sadakazu (His father) \uff06 Gassan Sadayoshi (His grandfather)<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0Sadakazu was born as the son of the Tsukamoto family in Omi province(today\u2019s Shiga prefecture) in 1836. Sadakazu was adopted by Gassan Sadayoshi(\u6708\u5c71\u8c9e\u5409), one of the most famous swordsmiths in Osaka prefecture when he was seven years. Sadakazu started his training under Gassan Sadayoshi when he was 11 years old. And at incredible speed, he was able to master a lot of complex techniques. According to available records, his first blade was created in 1851 when he was 16 years old.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Gassan Sadayoshi founded Gassan school in Osaka in 1833. While Gassan school had been known as one of the most prestigious schools from the Kamakura period(late 12th century), its presence faded in the early-mid Edo period. However, after Sadayoshi became a highly-regarded swordsmith at the end of the Edo period, the whole school flourished again because of his continuous effort and superb craftsmanship.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Gassan Sadakazu supported Sadayoshi, and they spent many years researching traditional Gassan-style swords and finally made Ayasugihada, the signature design of Gassan school. Ayasguhihada looks undulating grain pattern in the Jihada(steel surface), which resembles a Japanese cedar grain. Sadakatsu also mastered creating Ayasugiha and you can see this grain pattern on this blade.<\/span><\/p>\n

Horimono (Engraving)<\/strong><\/p>\n

A dragon is beautifully engraved on one side. Initially, the dragon was an imaginary creature found in ancient foreign traditions or myths. Furthermore, it is regarded as a symbol 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 the Mizuchi (\u86df, a mythical animal in Japan that looks like a snake and has 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. And, the other side shows \u00a0(\u68b5\u5b57, Sanskrit letter)\u3002<\/p>\n

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

\uff0aPlease keep in mind that there is partial chip near the Monouchi area slight below the tip of the blade. If you don’t mind waiting, we will have this part polished without any additional fee so that the chipped part will be much less noticeable. Also, please keep in mind that there are a couple of partial black rust on the Mune (backbone of the blade).<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

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\u3010 Blade\u3011<\/span><\/strong>
\nCutting Edge Length(Nagasa)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a66.9 cm( 26.3 inches)<\/strong><\/span>
\nCurvature(Sori)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a 1.51<\/span> cm( 0.59 inches)<\/strong><\/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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Kissaki<\/strong>: <\/span>Kissaki is the tip\u00a0of the Japanese sword.<\/strong><\/span><\/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), Tsuba(Handguard).<\/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.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0The same golden circled marks are designed on this Fuchi Kashira. We believe it is a family crest that is called the Maru-ni Igeta (\u4e38\u306b\u4e95\u6841) pattern or the Maru-ni Sumitate Idutsu (\u4e38\u306b\u9685\u7acb\u3066\u4e95\u7b52). The Idutsu (\u4e95\u7b52)\/Igeta (\u4e95\u6841) crest is a family crest with a well motif. The well-shaped wooden structure surrounding the above-ground part of the well is called the Igeta, and the circular one is called Izutsu. In the family crests, the square one is called the Izutsu, and the diamond-shaped one is called the Igeta. A well is a crucial place filled with water and should not be polluted. In other words, it is thought that it came to be used as a family crest because it is indispensable for life. A theory says the simplicity of this motif was favored among Samurai families.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u00a0The Kurikara-ken (\u5036\u5229\u4f3d\u7f85\u5263) is the motif of this Menuki. Golden paint is applied to each Menuki, and this bright coloring adds decorativeness to the works. This blade was named after its appearance that Kurikara Ryu-O (\u5036\u5229\u4f3d\u7f85\u9f8d\u738b, dragon) is winding around the sword. The Fudo Myo-O (\u4e0d\u52d5\u660e\u738b, acalan\u0101tha) holds the Kurikara-Ken in his right hand. According to a theory, it is the incarnation of Dainichi Nyorai (\u5927\u65e5\u5982\u6765, Mah\u0101vairocana, the principal image of esoteric Buddhism). He is making a brave appearance to save the unsalvageable who are covered in worldly desires and to cut off the evil hearts that obstruct the path of Buddhism. It is believed that the Kurikara-Ken could cut off worldly desires: Sandoku (\u4e09\u6bd2). Sandoku is the three fundamental human desires: Ton (\u8caa, greed), Jin (\u778b, anger, grudge), and Chi (\u7661, delusion, complaint).<\/span><\/p>\n

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\nTsuba 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 same as other metal fittings of this Koshirae, the dragons are the theme of this Tsuba. You would find the figures of two dragons are engraved. It seems they are chasing a Houju (\u5b9d\u73e0, ball fulfills desires). And this jewel is engraved between their faces. Initially, dragons were imaginary creatures found in ancient foreign traditions and 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, the belly is the Mizuchi (\u86df, a mythical animal in Japan that looks like a snake and has a horn and four legs), scales are fish, claws are falcons, palms are tigers, and ears are cows. It was thought that dragons would reign at the top of all animals because of their odd-looking appearance.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Saya<\/strong><\/span>\uff1a Saya is the scabbard for the Japanese sword.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/span>
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Authentication Paper<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aNBTHK TOKUBETSU Hozon Certificate for the blade (No. 1021711)<\/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 15th in the 5th year of Reiwa (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><\/span> for your record if you request.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Registration Number : Tokyo 20271<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/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.
\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 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

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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, France, Hong Kong, Finland 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

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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