{"id":58461,"date":"2024-11-05T13:32:07","date_gmt":"2024-11-05T04:32:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/?post_type=product&p=58461"},"modified":"2025-09-15T17:40:28","modified_gmt":"2025-09-15T08:40:28","slug":"antique-japanese-sword-wakizashi-signed-by-dewa-no-kuni-ju-katsuhide-nbthk-tokubetsu-hozon-certificate","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/product\/antique-japanese-sword-wakizashi-signed-by-dewa-no-kuni-ju-katsuhide-nbthk-tokubetsu-hozon-certificate\/","title":{"rendered":"Antique Japanese Sword Wakizashi Signed by Dewa no Kuni Ju Katsuhide
NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon<\/strong> <\/span>Certificate"},"content":{"rendered":"

Antique Japanese Sword Wakizashi Signed by Dewa no Kuni Ju Katsuhide <\/strong><\/span>with NBTHK Tokubestsu<\/span> Hozon<\/span> Certificate<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0This blade was signed by Dewa no Kuni Ju Katsuhide (\u51fa\u7fbd\u56fd\u4f4f\u52dd\u79c0), who was active during the late Edo period. He was born as a second son of family of swordsmiths in Dewa province (Today\u2019s Yamagata prefecture) in 1772 and he went by several names like Ikeda Kazuuhide, Kazuhide, and Ryuken.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Katsuhide is known as an apprentice of Suishinshi Masahide, who was one of the most famous and innovative swordsmiths at the end of the Edo period. Masahide was born in the third year of the Kanen era (1750) in the Yonezawa domain in Dewa province (Today\u2019s Yamagata\/Akita prefecture). When he was about 18 years old, he started learning blacksmithing techniques from a local blacksmith named Yoshizawa Sanjiro, who specialized in producing farming tools in Dewa Koku. Later on, Masahide decided to become a swordsmith. In 1771, when he was 22 years old, he moved to Musashi Koku (Today\u2019s Tokyo) to become an apprentice of Miyagawa Yoshihide, also known as Shitahara Yoshihide. Masahide learned sword-forging techniques under this master, who belonged to Shitahara School, one of the most prestigious schools in this area. After finishing his apprenticeship, he returned to Dewa Koku. His craftsmanship was widely recognized in the province. In 1774, Masahide started to serve Akimoto Tsunetomo, the head of the domain, because of his superb sword-forging techniques. It is said that he began to use Suishinshi as his title during this time and changed his maker\u2019s name to Kawabe Gihachiro Masahide. In 1781, he moved to Edo City, settling in a house owned by the Akimoto clan. He was always curious to know various sword-forging techniques. He started to search how Japanese swords were made during the late Heian-Azuchi Momoyama period (late 12th-late 16th century: KOTO era), especially the ones made with SOSHU DEN and BIZEN DEN traditions. He often visited the offsprings of renowned swordsmiths in the old days to know the secret of old sword-forging techniques. One of the most notable episodes is when he visited Yamamura Tsunahiro, an offspring of Masamune, one of the historical figures in Japanese sword forging. And he improved his craftsmanship there as well.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0When Masahide visited the Shonai region in 1805, Katsuhide seized the opportunity to learn sword-forging techniques from him. Later that year, he entered the service of the Sakai family of Shonai domain, receiving a stipend for his work as a swordsmith and moving to Tsuruoka city. In 1819, he also trained under Masahide’s disciples, Kato Kunihide, a renowned swordsmith from Yonezawa domain, refining his craft even more.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0In 1808, Katsuhide shaved his head as part of a ceremonial act and adopted the name Ryuken. Two years later, he was appointed as an official swordsmith of Shonai domain, and his stipend gradually increased, eventually reaching the equivalent support for ten people.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Katsuhide passed away in 1841 at the age of 69 and was buried at Zenryuji Temple in Tsuruoka city. Througuout his life, de dedicated himself to perfecting his sword-making techniques, leaving a significant legacy as an important swordsmith for the Shonai domain.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0This blade is appraised as a Tokubetsu Hozon Token (\u7279\u5225\u4fdd\u5b58\u5200\u5263)<\/strong>. They were 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

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*Please keep in mind that there are a couple of Kitae Kizu on this blade. If you like to know the detailed condition, please feel free to contact us.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

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\u3010Blade\u3011<\/span><\/strong>
\nCutting Edge Length(Nagasa)\uff1a37.9 cm (14.9\u00a0inches)<\/strong><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/strong>
\nCurvature(Sori)\uff1a<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/strong>0.7 cm (0.27 inches)\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Hamon\uff1a<\/span><\/strong><\/strong><\/span>
\nThe crystalline structure which forms along the cutting edge of a blade as a result of the hardening process<\/strong>
\nJimon(Jihada)\uff1a<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/strong>
\nvisible steel surface pattern created by folding and hammering during forging process<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Kissaki\uff1a<\/span><\/strong><\/strong><\/span>Kissaki is the tip\u00a0of the Japanese sword.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Nakago\uff1a<\/span><\/strong><\/strong><\/span>Nakago 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

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Koshirae\uff1a<\/span><\/strong>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\uff1a<\/span><\/strong><\/strong><\/span>A pair of matching sword fittings that cover the upper and bottom parts of its sword hilt.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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\nTsuka and Menuki\uff1a<\/span><\/strong><\/strong><\/span>Tsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0We assume the theme of this Menuki is Nohraku or Nohgaku (\u80fd\u697d, a classical Japanese dance-drama, which collectively means Noh (\u80fd) and Kyogen (\u72c2\u8a00), and these people of this Menuki might show some kind of plays. Nohraku is the first traditional performing art in Japan that was registered as a UNESCO (World Intangible Heritage) site. Nohraku was developed in the Muromachi period (1336-1573) and flourished in Samurai society as ceremonial music for the Edo Shogunate. In Noh stages, movements of performers are kept to a minimum to achieve maximum effect. This concentrated performance is the essence of Nohraku and makes it appealing.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Tsuba and Habaki\uff1a<\/span><\/strong><\/strong><\/span>Tsuba 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 that the motif of this Tsuba is \u7d05\u8449 (Momiji, Maple). According to a theory, this plant motif represents longevity. Maple leaves change their colors from green to yellow, orange, or red. The fall foliage is one of the charms of autumn. Due to this behavior of the color, this design represents someone who knows how to get along in the world and be happy.<\/span><\/p>\n

*Please keep in mind that silver foil applied on the copper Habaki is partially peeled. If you don’t mind waiting for additional time, we will have it repaired without additional cost.\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

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

\u00a0The surface of these 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\nAuthentication Paper\uff1a<\/span><\/strong><\/strong><\/span>NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate for the blade (No. 1018773)<\/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 August 25th in the 4th year of Reiwa (2022). 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> Aomori 3464<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The Board of Education in Aomori prefecture issued a registration paper for this sword. It is called Jyu Hou Token Rui Torokusho (\u9283\u7832\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.
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\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, UK<\/a>, <\/span><\/span>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