{"id":60501,"date":"2024-12-14T12:50:48","date_gmt":"2024-12-14T03:50:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/?post_type=product&p=60501"},"modified":"2025-11-07T20:43:15","modified_gmt":"2025-11-07T11:43:15","slug":"antique-japanese-sword-wakizashi-signed-by-yasutsugunbthk-hozon-certificate","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/product\/antique-japanese-sword-wakizashi-signed-by-yasutsugunbthk-hozon-certificate\/","title":{"rendered":"Antique Japanese Sword Wakizashi Signed by Yasutsugu
NBTHK Hozon <\/span>Certificate"},"content":{"rendered":"

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

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

\u00a0This blade was forged by Echizen Yasutsugu (\u8d8a\u524d\u5eb7\u7d99). The maker’s name, Yasutsugu, lasted several generations throughout the Edo period. Based on the characteristic of the blade, we assume it was signed by the third-gen Echizen Yasutsugu. The third-gen Yasutsugu was especially active in sword-forging during the Kanbun era (<\/span>1661-1673: Early Edo period<\/span>). He was the third son of the first-gen Yasutsugu, one of the most famous swordsmiths during the early Edo period. The signature also has AOI Mon (holly oak symbol). <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

First-gen Yasutsugu<\/strong><\/span>
\n\u00a0It is said that the first-gen Yasutsugu was born in Shimosaka town in Shiga prefecture at the end of the Muromachi period (Late 16 century). He built his career there until the beginning of the Keicho era (1596). However, he moved to Echizen province due to the relocation of the lord he served. He eventually was noticed and supported by Matsudaira Hideyasu, the third son of Tokugawa Ieyasu, who was the founder of the Edo government. Hideysu was the feudal lord of Echizen province during the early Edo period. With the support of Hideyasu, the first-gen Yasutsugu established the Echizen Shimosaka school. And his school\u2019s fame became nationwide.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0By Hideyasu\u2019s recommendation, the first-gen Yasutsugu became Okakaekaji for the Tokugawa shogun family, meaning that he exclusively forged swords for the Shogun family. Yasutsu was acknowledged by the first and second Tokugawa Shoguns, Tokugawa Ieyasu, and Tokugawa Hidetada.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The first-gen Yasutsugu received \u5eb7 (YASU) from Tokugawa Ieyasu and changed his maker\u2019s name. He was also allowed to inscribe the holly oak symbol(family crest of Tokugawa) on the tang.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Fascinating History of the third-gen Echizen Yasutsugu<\/strong><\/span>
\n\u00a0The first gen Yasutsugu died in 1621, and his first son took over the school and became the second-gen Yasutsugu. The second gen was deceased in 1646. As we explained earlier, the third-gen Echizen Yastsugu was the third son of the first-gen Yasutsugu. His real name was\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Shirouemon <\/strong>(\u56db\u90ce\u53f3\u885b\u9580).<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0When the second-gen Yasutsugu was deceased in the third year of Seiho(1646), the next heir of the school, the first son of the second-gen, was just 17 years old. His name was\u00a0Umanosuke<\/strong>\u00a0(\u53f3\u99ac\u52a9). Because of his young age, there was a dispute within the Echizen Yasutsugu school over who would become the third head of Yasutsugu school.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The students of the second-gen Yasutsugu and Shogun\u2019s arms office supported Umanosuke to be the third-gen Yasutsugu. However, Shirouemon, the third son of the first-gen Yasutsugu, insisted that he should be the one to take over his father\u2019s school and property. Shirouemon was a younger brother of the second-gen Yasutsugu.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0This dispute was eventually solved in such an interesting manner. Yasutusu school decided to have two third-gen Yasutsugu. While Umanosuke was officially appointed as the heir of Yasutsu school and became the third-gen Yasutsugu in Edo city, Shirouemon founded the Echizen Yasutsugu school. From this point, there were two branches of Yasutsugu school; Edo and Echizen.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Back then, Yasutsugu swordsmiths were requested to forge swords in Echizen and Edo back and forth every year, but this tradition ended after this dispute was settled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Echizen Yasutsugu lasted for the 9th generation, and Edo Yasutsugu school lasted for the 12th generation from the third-gen Yasutsugu.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The third-gen Echizen Yasutsugu was allowed to inscribe a holly oak symbol, which suggests that his craftsmanship was highly regarded among Tokugawa Shogunate back then.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0This blade is appraised as a Hozon Token <\/strong>(\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,\u00a0 well preserved and high quality with artistic value.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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\u3010Blade\u3011<\/span><\/strong>
\nCutting Edge Length(Nagasa)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a46.1 <\/strong>cm (18.1 <\/strong>inches)<\/strong>
\n<\/span>Curvature(Sori)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a1.0<\/strong>\u00a0cm (0.39 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>\uff1a<\/span><\/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><\/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<\/strong>\uff1a<\/span>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

\u00a0Some autumn plants called Akikusa (\u79cb\u8349), such as Kikyou (\u6854\u6897, Japanese bellflower), and Nadeshiko (\u64ab\u5b50, pink), are depicted elegantly on this Fuchi part.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Kikyou is a small star-shaped flower. It is said its root has medicinal efficacy. The Kikyou pattern has often been used as a motif of Tanka (\u77ed\u6b4c, a kind of traditional Japanese poem) and pictures since the Heian period (794-1185). Its name was initially \u201cKichikou,\u201d and it changed to \u201cKikyou\u201d with time. It is said this flower was used for fortune-telling in the old days. This action is called Kikkyou-wo Uranau (\u5409\u51f6\u3092\u5360\u3046) in Japanese. The word Kikkyou (\u5409\u51f6, good or bad omen) was associated with this flower\u2019s name. \u201cKichikou\u201d was compared to the word \u201cKichi Kou (\u5409\u66f4),\u201d which means further good fortune. That is why this flower pattern is treated as a good omen design.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Nadeshiko is a delicate and pretty pink flower with thin, lobed petals that blooms quietly in the fields. It is also one of the seven autumnal flowers, and mentioned in the Manyoshu (\u4e07\u8449\u96c6), the oldest extant collection of Japanese waka (poetry in classical Japanese) in the Nara period (the 8th century). It is said that the character of \u201c\u64ab\u5b50\u201d means that this flower seems to be like a cute child (\u5b50, Ko) to be caressed (\u64ab\u3067, Nade) and cherished, suggesting that people have loved this lovely flower since ancient times.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0In addition, the surfaces of these metal plates are decorated with the Nanako-Ji (\u9b5a\u5b50\u5730) technique. This process makes a uniform minimal protrusions pattern by hitting the Nanako-Ji Tagane (\u9b5a\u5b50\u5730\u93e8, a chisel for this technique) on a metal surface. This decorative technique is often seen on sword mountings as well.<\/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 is in the shape of a man resembling a monk or priest. We estimate this man is Hotei (\u5e03\u888b), who is a member of Shichifuku-Jin (\u4e03\u798f\u795e, the Seven God of Good Fortune). Hotei is a legendary priest in ancient China. According to a theory, Hotei is the incarnation of Miroku Bosatsu (\u5f25\u52d2\u83e9\u85a9, the Bodhisattva Maitreya). He has an obese body and brings a big sack that is full of treasures. He was always in contact with people with a smile and gave his treasures to religious people. Due to his mild-mannered attitude, he was surrounded by children and became a topic of people\u2019s conversations. And then, he was started to be treated as a theme in paintings or poetry.<\/span><\/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<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The motif designed on this Tsuba is a Daikon (\u5927\u6839, Japanese white radish). Especially, this type of radish design is called a Hutamata Daikon (\u4e8c\u80a1\u5927\u6839, forked radish). Its design represents a happy marriage, and it is an offering for gods (especially for Daikokuten\/Mahakala) based on transmission, wishing plentiful harvests, success in business, or prosperity of descendants.<\/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

\u00a0This scabbard is covered with black lacquer. Due to its high waterproof effect, lacquer has been used since ancient times in Asia. The blade of a Japanese sword is made of iron, and moisture is the greatest enemy of iron. For the purpose of carrying the blade without degrading it, people devised a method of coating the scabbard with lacquer. To prevent not only moisture but also rain and snow from penetrating the inside of the scabbard, it was necessary to apply multiple layers of lacquer. The Nurushi (\u5857\u5e2b, lacquerers) was born precisely because advanced techniques were required to handle the complicated processes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0If you look at the head of this Saya, you would find a heart-shaped mark. It is called Inome (\u732a\u306e\u76ee, boar\u2019s eye). The Inome pattern has been used since ancient times and looks similar to the heart mark. Some people believed the Inome design would work as an amulet to protect them from evil spirits or fire. Also, it is said it would bring good luck.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0In addition, Karakusa (\u5510\u8349, arabesque) pattern is depicted. It is a pattern in which stems and leaves of vines are twined and make curves. Since ivy has a strong vitality and grows up without interruption, people regarded this design as a symbol of prosperity and longevity. Vine is called Tsuru (\u8513) in Japanese, and it has another pronunciation; \u201cMan.\u201d There is a word \u4e07 (it is also read Man), which means ten thousand. In the Karakusa pattern, leaves and vines are connected like Obi (\u5e2f, belt). The word \u201c\u5e2f\u201d can also be read \u201cTai.\u201d Due to its pronunciation, the term \u201c\u4ee3 (Tai)\u201d is associated. From this word-association game, an idiom \u4e07\u4ee3 is associated, and it means a thousand generations. In other words, we could imagine that people used this design wishing prosperity and longevity for their clans for a long time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Authentication Paper<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aNBTHK Hozon Certificate for the blade (No. 3026704)<\/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 27th in the 3rd year of Reiwa <\/span>(2021). They appraised it as Hozon Touken, the blade 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 : <\/span>Iwate 11476<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\n\u00a0The Board of Education in Iwate 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.
\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, 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