{"id":51343,"date":"2024-06-02T21:12:55","date_gmt":"2024-06-02T12:12:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/?post_type=product&p=51343"},"modified":"2025-01-09T19:29:59","modified_gmt":"2025-01-09T10:29:59","slug":"antique-japanese-sword-wakizashi-signed-by-kunimitsu-nbthk-tokubetsu-hozon-certificate-2","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/product\/antique-japanese-sword-wakizashi-signed-by-kunimitsu-nbthk-tokubetsu-hozon-certificate-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Antique Japanese Sword Wakizashi Signed by Kunimitsu
NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon<\/strong> <\/span>Certificate"},"content":{"rendered":"

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

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

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

\u00a0This blade was signed by Yamashiro Jyu Minamoto Rai Kunimitsu (\u5c71\u57ce\u4f4f\u6e90\u6765\u56fd\u5149) during the Enpo era (1673-1681: Early Edo period) , according to its NBTHK appraisal. Yamashiro was the name of the province located in today’s Kyoto prefecture. Yamashiro Jyu means Kunimitsu resided in this province when he forged this blade. It is often the case with many swordsmiths that they signed where they lived before they inscribed their maker’s names. Rai is the prestigious school to which he belonged. Kunimitsu is a famous maker’s name in this province and we believe this blade was made by a late-gen Kunimitsu.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Rai Kunimitsu<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0Rai Kunimitsu was active during the late Kamakura- early Nanbokucho period (1326-1351). He belonged to Rai school, which was prosperous in Yamashiro province (Kyoto prefecture) during the mid-Kamakura-Nanbokucho period. Rai Kunimitsu was the second son of Rai Kunitoshi, and he was also known as Jiro Hyoueno Jo. Rai school was originally founded by Rai Kuniyuki and was taken over by Rai Kunitoshi, and then Kunimitsu became the head of the school in his career.<\/span><\/p>\n

Yamashiro Province<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0Yamashiro province was famous for its sword making style called YAMASHIRO-DEN. YAMASHIRO-DEN’s origin dates back to the Heian period(794 A.D), when the capital city was moved from Nara to Kyoto. The swordsmiths in Yamashiro province initially prospered by forging swords for court nobles and imperial families. Later on, they also forged swords for feudal lords after Samurai military government took control of Japan. There are so many renowned swordsmiths from this region.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0It is said that the founder of YAMASHIRO-DEN was Sanjo Munechika. And there are seven prestigious schools in this region. One of them is Rai school, where Kunimitsu belonged. Rai school and Aawata school are the most prestigious ones among YAMASHIRO-DEN.<\/span>\u00a0One of the most characteristics of YAMASHIRO-DEN is its elegant design and beautiful Jigane. This blade represents a little trait of YAMASHIRO-DEN.\u00a0<\/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

 <\/p>\n

\u3010Blade\u3011<\/span><\/strong>
\nCutting Edge Length(Nagasa)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a 54.3<\/strong> cm (21.4 <\/strong>inches)<\/strong><\/span>
\nCurvature(Sori)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a0.8<\/strong> cm (0.31 inches)\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/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

Kissaki\uff1a<\/span><\/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><\/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

Koshirae\uff1aKoshirae 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

 <\/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><\/p>\n

\u00a0We assume some kind of landscape is depicted on this Fuchi Kashira. On this Kashira, there is a circle shape painted gold, which is similar to the moon, so this scene might be at night.\u00a0<\/span>
\n\"\"
\nTsuka and Menuki<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aTsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0You would find the figure of a little bird perched on the branch. It seems this plant is a Japanese apricot tree (\u6885, Ume). In Japan, there is a classical design that combines these motifs: Ume ni Uguisu (\u6885\u306b\u9daf). It is a combination of Japanese apricot blossom and Japanese bush warbler. In Japanese poetries and paintings, it is a traditional analogy of a perfect match, a match made in heaven, or a good friendship.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0There are several views about the origin of this word. According to a theory, this combination comes from the behavior of Japanese bush warblers. This bird likes the nectar of Japanese apricot blossoms, so it comes to a Japanese apricot tree and cries. However, it is actually the Mejiro (\u30e1\u30b8\u30ed, Japanese white-eye) who prefers this nectar, not the Japanese bush warbler. Another theory says this combination was born because combining these motifs makes an elegant design. The bush warbler announces early spring with its beautiful cry. In addition, Japanese apricot blossoms bloom beautifully and announce the arrival of spring. It is the idea that this word was born because these combinations were thought to be an attractive design. In the first place, this subject is not native to Japan. It was brought from the continent; the same is true for Japanese apricot blossoms. It is said that nobles once began to use this theme out of their admiration for the continent.<\/span><\/p>\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

\u00a0This Tsuba has a rounded rectangular shape and is made from iron. This Tsuba\u2019s motif might be wild geese and the Myoga (\u8317\u8377, myoga ginger). <\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0You would find bird figures in abstracted design. The wild goose is a migratory bird that represents fall. Its pattern is also called \u201cKarigane (\u96c1\u91d1),\u201d and some families used this motif for their family crests. This bird is engraved by not only a realistic figure but also a very simplified shape: Hiragana (\u3072\u3089\u304c\u306a, a kind of Japanese letter) \u201che (\u3078)\u201d shape that sometimes makes also wild goose as you see in this Tsuba.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Also, Myoga is known as Japanese ginger and was brought to Japan with Shoga (\u751f\u59dc, ginger). According to a theory, Shoga used to be called \u201cSenoka,\u201d and Myoga used to be called \u201cMenoka\u201d in ancient times. It is said that these pronunciations were changed with time. Myoga has the same pronunciation as another word, \u201cMyoga (\u51a5\u52a0),\u201d which means divine protection; therefore, this motif has been treated as a good-luck design. It is seen at shrines and temples in various parts of Japan. Also, it is quite a popular motif for family crests.<\/span>
\n\"\"<\/p>\n

Saya<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aSaya is the scabbard for the Japanese sword.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Authentication Paper<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aNBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate for the blade (No. 1017089)<\/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 3th in the 3th year of Reiwa <\/span>\u00a0(2021). 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

\"\"<\/p>\n

Registration Number :\u00a0<\/span>Kanagawa 72677<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\n\u00a0The Board of Education in Kanagawa 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

\"\"
\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