{"id":55773,"date":"2024-09-08T16:47:47","date_gmt":"2024-09-08T07:47:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/?post_type=product&p=55773"},"modified":"2025-03-25T23:30:22","modified_gmt":"2025-03-25T14:30:22","slug":"antique-japanese-sword-katana-signed-by-kunisadanbthk-kichou-certificate","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/product\/antique-japanese-sword-katana-signed-by-kunisadanbthk-kichou-certificate\/","title":{"rendered":"Antique Japanese Sword Katana Signed by Kunisada
NBTHK Kichou Certificate"},"content":{"rendered":"

Antique Japanese Sword Katana Signed by Kunisada with NBTHK Kichou<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Certificate<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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

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

\u00a0This blade was signed by Inoue Izumi no Kami Kunisada (\u4e95\u4e0a\u548c\u6cc9\u5b88\u570b\u8c9e) in the 10th year of the Kanbun era (1669: the early Edo period). The back of the tang has an inscription of\u00a0Kikumon\u00a0(chrysanthemum emblem). He was allowed to inscribe this emblem, which is the symbol of the Japanese emperor. His sword forging technique was so great that the emperor permitted him to use this emblem, which was honorable for any swordsmith.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Kunisada (\u56fd\u8c9e) split the popularity of the Osaka Shinto (\u5927\u962a\u65b0\u5200) with the master Sukehiro (\u52a9\u5e83). He was born as the second son of Izuminokami Kunisada (\u548c\u6cc9\u5b88\u56fd\u8c9e), who is famous as the founder of Osaka Shinto.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0By 1650 (3rd year of Keian; \u6176\u5b89), the second generation Kunisada had already completed many works on behalf of his father because of his old age. And in 1652 (the first year of Jouo; \u627f\u5fdc), he received the title of Izuminokami (\u548c\u6cc9\u5b88). In 1661 (4th year of Manji, \u4e07\u6cbb), the Imperial Court granted permission to use the 16-leaved chrysanthemum crest.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0After that, Kunisada carved his engraved inscription as \u201cInoue Izuminokami Shinkai (\u4e95\u4e0a\u548c\u6cc9\u5b88\u771f\u6539),\u201d but changed it to \u201cInoue Shinkai (\u4e95\u4e0a\u771f\u6539)\u201d from August 1672 (12th year of Kanubun; \u5bdb\u6587). Since his father also used the name Kunisada, the swords of the first Kunisada are sometimes called the Oya Kunisada (\u89aa\u56fd\u8c9e), and the sword that the second Kunisada forged are called the Shinkai Kunisada (\u771f\u6539\u56fd\u8c9e) to distinguish between the two.<\/span><\/p>\n

Izumi no Kami Kunisada (His father)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Kunisada, also known as Inoue Yoshihiro, was born in the 17th year of Tensho era (1589) in the southern part of Miyazaki prefecture (Kyushu island). Later on, he moved to Kyoto and became an apprentice of Horikawa Kunihiro, one of the most famous swordsmiths in the early Edo period (early 17th century). He also learned the sword-forging technique from a senior apprentice, Echigo no Kami Kunitomo. Kunisada moved to Osaka in 1620 after his master, Kunihiro, was deceased. He became an independent swordsmith in Osaka city.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0He was trusted by the third-gen head of Obi domain (Miyazaki prefecture), Ito Sukehisa, and Kunisada was able to receive the title of Izumi no Kami in 1623 because of Sukehisa\u2019s support.<\/span>
\n\u00a0He is known as one of the most influential swordsmiths to make Osaka a famous place for sword-forging in the early Edo period. Osaka was the center of business back then. Many renowned swordsmiths moved to Osaka to meet the demand from high-class Samurais.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Osaka Shinto<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The Shinto (\u65b0\u5200) is Japanese sword terminology referring to swords forged from 1596 to 1781. The blades made in the Osaka area during this period are called the Osaka Shinto (\u5927\u962a\u65b0\u5200). There are many famous swordsmiths in this Osaka Shinto era. After Toyotomi Hideyoshi (\u8c4a\u81e3 \u79c0\u5409) built the Osaka castle, Osaka city flourished as a castle town and became the business center. Many swordsmiths moved to Osaka to look for better opportunities. They not only forged swords for those Samurai who lived in Osaka but also for feudal lords nationwide. Ikkanshi Tadatsuna (\u4e00\u7aff\u5b50 \u5fe0\u7db1, Awataguchi Ohmi no Kami Tadatsuna), Inoue Shinkai (\u4e95\u4e0a \u771f\u6539), and Tsuda Sukehiro (\u6d25\u7530\u52a9\u5e83) are the most famous among many swordsmiths.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0One of the most notable characteristics of Osaka Shinto is its beauty in Jigane (\u5730\u9244). Jigane is a visible steel surface pattern created by folding and hammering during the forging process, which made it possible by the location of Osaka. Osaka had close access to the production sites of the Tamahagane (\u7389\u92fc, special carbon steel to make Japanese swords). The swordsmiths residing in Osaka could get high-quality carbon steel from these sites.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u3010Blade\u3011<\/span><\/strong>
\nCutting Edge Length(Nagasa)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a69.6 cm (27.4 inches)<\/strong><\/span>
\nCurvature(Sori)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a1.36 cm (0.53 inches)<\/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>\uff1a<\/span><\/span>Kissaki is the tip\u00a0of the Japanese sword.<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0<\/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 \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

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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 theme of this Fuchi Kashira is Nami Chidori (\u6ce2\u5343\u9ce5). <\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The Nami Chidori pattern represents a happy marriage and family safety. In Japan, people have treated it as a good omen since the Nara period (648-781). The Nami (\u6ce2) means waves, and the Chidori (\u5343\u9ce5) means plovers in Japanese. Waves are compared to the world, which describes determination: overcoming difficulties with a partner even if there are small or big waves (difficulties\/troubles). Also, the plover pattern is used as a prayer. The Japanese name of the plover, Chidori, was associated with the word Chidori (\u5343\u53d6\u308a, which literally means get a thousand). Therefore, its design contains prayers for victory and wishes for goal achievement.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u00a0This Menuki has the same motif, Nami Chidori, as the Fuchi Kashira.<\/span>
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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

\u00a0We assume the cloud (\u96f2, Kumo) pattern is engraved with openwork on this Tsuba.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Clouds bring rain and snow, and their movements significantly affect the weather of the day. Due to its supernatural power, a theory says that gods, spirits, and dragons dwell in the clouds. Also, the cloud pattern has been associated with magical power, and people thought it an omen of lucky things. In addition, some people wished to obtain a leisurely life in comfort by seeing clouds\u2019 movements (that floats in the sky). Or, as clouds appear repeatedly, its design represents reincarnation. Samurais were always on the verge of life and death on the battlefield. They might have believed in the power of this pattern. And they had incorporated it into the design of their sword mountings, such as Tsuba.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u00a0The surface of this Saya is decorated with the Ishime-Ji (\u77f3\u76ee\u5730). Its base was hit by Tagane (\u93e8, chisel for metalworking), and it makes a rough surface that seems stone.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n

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Authentication Paper<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aNBTHK KICHOU Certificate for the blade (No. 7667)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\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 August 2nd in the 28th year of Showa (1953). They appraised it as Kichou Touken, an old form of the certificate. 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Registration Number : <\/span>Tokyo 55936<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/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 1000 Japanese swords for the past few years (\uff5e2025) 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