{"id":51943,"date":"2024-06-28T16:13:34","date_gmt":"2024-06-28T07:13:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/?post_type=product&p=51943"},"modified":"2024-12-05T13:32:23","modified_gmt":"2024-12-05T04:32:23","slug":"antique-japanese-sword-katana-attributed-to-den-unji-nbthk-juyo-token-certificate","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/product\/antique-japanese-sword-katana-attributed-to-den-unji-nbthk-juyo-token-certificate\/","title":{"rendered":"Antique Japanese Sword Katana attributed to Den Unji
NBTHK JUYO TOKEN<\/strong><\/span> Certificate<\/span>"},"content":{"rendered":"

Antique Japanese Sword Katana attributed to Den Unji with<\/span> NBTHK <\/span><\/strong>\u00a0JUYO TOKEN<\/strong><\/span><\/span>\u00a0Certificate<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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

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

\u00a0This blade is attributed to Den Unji (\u4f1d\u96f2\u6b21), who was active during the late Kamakura period-the beginning of the Nanbokucho period (<\/span>1312\uff5e1336<\/span><\/strong>), based on his remaining works. He belonged to Unrui (\u96f2\u985e) school, which flourished from the late Kamakura-mid Nanbokucho period. He lived in Ukai (\u5b87\u7518) village in Bizen province (Today\u2019s Okayama prefecture). He was known as the son of Unsho (\u96f2\u751f), another prominent figure in this school.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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The origin of Unrui school<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0The founder of Unrui school was Unsho (\u96f2\u751f). According to a legendary story, Unsho was ordered to forge a Tachi blade for the emperor Godaigo (\u5f8c\u918d\u9190\u5929\u7687), one of the most famous emperors in Japanese history. And, Unsho was having difficulty forging a blade that satisfied the emperor. However, one night he dreamed about floating clouds. And he got an idea from these clouds in his dream to make Hamon (tempering line), and he successfully created the blade for the emperor.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0He devoted this Tachi blade to the emperor Godaigo, and the emperor was impressed by the level of Unsho\u2019s craftsmanship, saying, \u201cThe activity of Hamon looks like real clouds.\u201d And the emperor Godaigo ordered Unsho to use the letter \u96f2(Un or Kumo: Clouds in Japanese). Since then, the school was named Unrui (\u96f2\u985e). All the members of the Unrui school used Un(\u96f2) in their maker\u2019s names. Unsho was active during Kengen era (1302-: Late Kamakura period). <\/span>Unrui school is also known as Ukai (\u5b87\u7518) because they lived in the village in Bizen province.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0It is said that the works of Unrui school resemble that of Rai school in Yamashiro province, Aoe school in Bitchu province, or Yamato Den, depending on the blades. One theory says that the members of Unrui school moved from Yamashiro (Today\u2019s Kyoto) to Bizen Province during the late Kamakura period. Compared to other swordsmiths living in Bizen province, Unrui school was influenced by Yamashiro DEN (One of the five traditions of the Japanese sword-forging).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0This blade is appraised as a JUYO TOKEN<\/strong><\/span><\/span>(\u91cd\u8981\u5200\u5263) issued by NBTHK\u3000(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, exceptionally well preserved and of high quality with artistic value. JUYO is one rank higher than Tokubetsu Hozon. To be eligible for a Juyo Token, it needs to be appraised as a Tokubetsu Hozon Token first. It is extremely rare for an antique Japanese sword to be appraised as JUYO TOKEN, and it is highly desirable among Japanese sword collectors.<\/span><\/p>\n

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*Please keep in mind that there are partial black rusts on this blade. If you like to see the detailed condition, please feel free to contact us.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

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\u3010 Blade\u3011<\/span><\/strong>
\nCutting Edge Length(Nagasa)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a 71.2 cm (28.0 inches)<\/span><\/strong>
\nCurvature(Sori)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a1.7 cm (0.66 <\/strong>inches)<\/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

\u00a0The theme of Menuki, Tsuba, Kozuka and Kogai is Niwatori (\u9d8f, rooster and hen). In ancient times, this bird was used for rituals to offer to gods. It is said this is why the chicken pattern was incorporated into family crests.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0 As this bird tells the arrival of morning, people regard it as the Ake-no Tori (\u660e\u3051\u306e\u9ce5, bird of the dawn). Also, chickens have been treated as auspicious birds because they sing at first in the new year. In another theory, there is a wordplay: Yoikoto-wo \u201cTori\u201dkomu (\u826f\u3044\u3053\u3068\u3092\u53d6\u308a\u8fbc\u3080, \u201ctake\u201d good things). This Tori (\u53d6\u308a) and Tori (\u9ce5, bird) are associated based on the common pronunciation. Some people believe that this bird would bring a plentiful harvest or success in business. This Menuki design might have been chosen due to these ideas.<\/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

\u00a0This Fuchi Kashira has a decorative look. The\u00a0 geometaric pattern engraved on this Habaki is the Asanoha (\u9ebb\u306e\u8449, hemp leaf) design. It is a pattern with hemp leaves as a motif combined with a regular hexagon. A triangle shape has been thought it has the power to protect people from evil spirits. Therefore, the hexagon shape, made of triangles, has been regarded as an amulet with more substantial power. Since hemp grows fast and has strong vitality, this plant pattern was often designed for children\u2019s birth clothes wishing for their health and growth. Also, the Asanoha pattern has been used to decorate Buddhist statues since the Heian period (794-1185).<\/span>
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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

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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

\u00a0You would find a family crest on this Habaki. It is the family crest called the Maru-ni Juji Mon (\u4e38\u306b\u5341\u5b57\u7d0b). This mark was used by the Shimazu (\u5cf6\u6d25) Daimyo family, based in Satsuma (\u85a9\u6469, the west side of Kagoshima prefecture today) from the Kamakura period (1185-1333) to the Edo period. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0There are several theories about the origin of this design. Firstly, it is said that this pattern symbolizes the figure of two dragons. Secondly, its origin is the charm of crossing two chopsticks to win the battles. Another theory says it comes from a spell in the form of \u201ccutting a cross.\u201d People once believed this action would protect them from misfortune and bring good luck. Therefore, it is thought that the Maru-ni Juji Mon has been regarded as a good omen motif and started to be used for family crests.<\/span>
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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

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Kougai<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aKougai is the equipment for Samurai to arrange or fix his hair style.<\/strong><\/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 JUYO TOKEN Certificate for the blade (No. 4208)<\/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 March 1st in the 48th year of Showa (1973). They appraised it as JUYO TOKEN, the blade exceptionally worth preserving for Japanese society. The purchaser will receive this original certificate as well. We uploaded English translation of the certificate in the photos on the list.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Registration Number :<\/span><\/strong><\/span> Miyazaki 9822<\/b><\/p>\n

\u00a0 The Board of Education in Miyazaki 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, 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

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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