{"id":49754,"date":"2024-04-21T22:49:23","date_gmt":"2024-04-21T13:49:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/?post_type=product&p=49754"},"modified":"2024-04-26T22:08:43","modified_gmt":"2024-04-26T13:08:43","slug":"antique-japanese-sword-wakizashi-signed-by-tada-takakatsu-nbthk-tokubetsu-hozon-certificate","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/product\/antique-japanese-sword-wakizashi-signed-by-tada-takakatsu-nbthk-tokubetsu-hozon-certificate\/","title":{"rendered":"Antique Japanese Sword Wakizashi Signed by Tada Takakatsu
NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon<\/strong> <\/span>Certificate"},"content":{"rendered":"

Antique Japanese Sword Wakizashi Signed by Tada Takakatsu with NBTHK Tokubestsu<\/span> Hozon<\/span> Certificate<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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

This blade was signed by Tada Takakatsu (\u591a\u7530\u8cb4\u52dd ) in the third year of the Kyowa era (1803) in Mimasaka (\u7f8e\u4f5c: Today’s Okayama prefecture).\u00a0 His birthname was Tada Soshichiro (\u591a\u7530\u8358\u4e03\u90ce). H was known as an apprentice of Ozaki Suketaka (\u5c3e\u5d0e\u52a9\u9686), one of the most prominent swordsmiths in the end of the Edo period. Takakatsu originally lived in Tsuyama domain but later moved to Osaka to learn sword-forging techniques from his master, Suketaka. He mastered very distinctive Hamon (tempering line) called Toranba (\u6fe4\u4e71\u5203).<\/p>\n

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What is Wakizashi?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0WAKIZASHI refers to a 30-60 cm long blade (11.8-28.6 inches) and was worn on the waist along with UCHI-GATANA(Katana). Samurai carried WAKIZASHI as a backup sword next to Katana. Samurai needed to use Wakizashi when he fought in a small room or with proximity where Katana would be too long to unsheathe. \u00a0Also, when Samurai entered a castle, he had to leave his Katana to the castle guard. In contrast, Wakizashi was allowed to bring inside as self-protection.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0WAKIZASHI was also the sword for the famous Samurai custom called SEPPUKU(\u5207\u8179; Stomach-Cut), the ritual act of Samurai to take responsibility for crime act or losing battles.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The use of Wakizashi became more widespread among Samurais during the Edo period. (1603-1868 A.D. ) Because the Edo Government had launched the national law to force all Samurais to wear two Japanese swords (Katana and Wakizashi) to identify themselves as the regime\u2019s military officers.<\/span><\/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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u3010Blade\u3011<\/span><\/strong>
\nCutting Edge Length(Nagasa)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a40.2<\/strong> cm (15.8 <\/strong>inches)<\/strong><\/span>
\nCurvature(Sori)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a 0.5 cm (0.19 inches)\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/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>\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

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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

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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

Spieder and various inspects are dipicted on this Fuchi Kashira. As spiders nest and catch prey with their web, people considered the spider pattern had the meaning of \u201cgrabbing happiness\u201d or \u201cattracting things.\u201d The cobweb was treated in Nihonshoki (\u65e5\u672c\u66f8\u7d00, Nihongi, The Chronicles of Japan), Kokin Wakashu (\u53e4\u4eca\u548c\u6b4c\u96c6, an early anthology of Japanese poetry) and also Heike Monogatari (\u5e73\u5bb6\u7269\u8a9e, The Tale of the Heike). When the cobweb goes down in the morning, it was thought, \u201cthe person you are waiting for will come.\u201d The spider pattern has been appreciated thanks to its beautiful nest shape and the meaning of the design. People enjoy using this motif for Kimono (traditional Japanese costume) or ceramics.<\/p>\n

Another insect is butterfly. A larva becomes a chrysalis, and it grows up to a butterfly. As this insect changes its looks, it symbolizes reborn; therefore, Samurai loved the butterfly pattern. Also, as butterflies make a couple on good terms, this motif represents happy marriage.<\/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

grasshopper is designed on this Menuki.<\/p>\n

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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

We believe the scenery of summer is depicted in this Tsuba.
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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><\/p>\n

\u00a0Dragonfly is the symbol of this Kozuka. Dragonflies have been inhabited in Japan for a long time. Since they prey quickly, their heroic figure was sometimes the object of belief. The dragonfly was called the Kachimushi (\u52dd\u3061\u866b, winning insect) during the Warring States period because of its fearless character. Dragonflies fly around fast to catch pests, moving only forward, not backward. Therefore, people thought the behaviors of this insect showed the spirit of Futaiten (\u4e0d\u9000\u8ee2); it is a state of mind or a state in which a person has some conviction and does not give in to difficulties. It is very persuasive that Samurai warriors cherished this design as an auspicious motif because of the spirit that Samurai should be prepared for the battlefields. Not only for sword mountings, dragonfly patterns were also incorporated into various items such as helmets, armor, battle coats, etcetera.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Above all, the dragonfly patterns combined with arrows and iris flowers were pleased. Allow was once one of the Samurai\u2019s primary weapons. Needless to say, it is closely related to Samurai culture. The Iris flower is called the Shoubu (\u83d6\u84b2) in Japanese, and there is the word Shoubu (\u52dd\u8ca0), which means battle. So, \u201cShoubu\u201d (\u83d6\u84b2, iris flower) and \u201cShoubu\u201d (\u52dd\u8ca0, fight), these two words have the same pronunciation; therefore, the iris flower pattern reminds Samurai warriors battlefields.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

This Saya is coated with stingray skin.<\/p>\n

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Authentication Paper<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aNBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate for the blade (No. 1021770)<\/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 May 31th 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

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Registration Number :\u00a0<\/span>Gifu 16810<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The Board of Education in Gifu 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