{"id":62281,"date":"2025-01-26T12:26:57","date_gmt":"2025-01-26T03:26:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/?post_type=product&p=62281"},"modified":"2025-09-29T09:57:43","modified_gmt":"2025-09-29T00:57:43","slug":"antique-japanese-sword-katana-attributed-to-buzen-no-kami-kiyondonbthk-hozon-certificate","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/product\/antique-japanese-sword-katana-attributed-to-buzen-no-kami-kiyondonbthk-hozon-certificate\/","title":{"rendered":"Antique Japanese Sword Katana Attributed to Buzen no kami Kiyondo
NBTHK Hozon <\/span>Certificate"},"content":{"rendered":"

Antique Japanese Sword Katana attributed to Kiyondo with<\/span> NBTHK Hozon<\/span> Certificate<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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

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

\u00a0This blade is attributed to Buzen no kami Kiyondo (\u8c4a\u524d\u5b88\u6e05\u4eba).\u00a0Buzen no kami Kiyondo was born in 1827 in Atsumi Onsen (\u6e29\u6d77\u6e29\u6cc9), located in the Shonai region of Dewa Province. His family ran a hot spring inn. During his childhood, he was adopted by his maternal uncle, Saito Koshirou, a swordsmith who served the Shonai Domain (Today\u2019s Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture).<\/span><\/p>\n

In 1852, at the age of 25, he made a life-changing decision to travel to Edo (Today’s Tokyo) to apprentice under Minamoto Kiyomaro (\u6e90\u6e05\u9ebf), a brilliant swordsmith nicknamed \u201cEdo\u2019s Three Great Craftsmen\u201d and \u201cYotsuya Masamune (\u56db\u8c37\u6b63\u5b97).\u201d However, two years into his apprenticeship, Kiyomaro suddenly took his own life. While other disciples fled, Kiyondo gained renown for his noble character by paying off his master’s debts for undelivered swords and supporting Kiyomaro\u2019s widow and children.<\/span><\/p>\n

In 1867, he was granted the honorary title of “Buzen-no-kami.” During the Meiji era, following the promulgation of the Edict for Cutting Hair and Abandoning Swords (which allowed samurai to cut their topknots and live without carrying swords), he retired from swordsmithing and returned to his hometown, where he spent his later years managing the family hot spring inn. He passed away in 1901 at the age of 75.<\/span><\/p>\n

Minamoto Kiyomaro
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\n\u00a0Minamoto Kiyomaro (\u6e90\u6e05\u9ebf) was a genius swordsmith active in the late Edo period, renowned alongside Suishinshi Masahide (\u6c34\u5fc3\u5b50\u6b63\u79c0) and Taikei Naotane (\u5927\u6176\u76f4\u80e4) as one of the “Three Great Craftsmen of Edo.” He developed a unique style that combined the Soshu and Bizen traditions, earning acclaim as a revival of Masamune, the legendary swordsmith of the Nanbokucho and Kamakura periods. After establishing his workshop in Yotsuya, he became known as “Yotsuya Masamune,” gaining fame as a representative swordsmith of the late Edo period.
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At 17, he began learning swordsmithing and, at 23, briefly pursued a career as a samurai. However, under the guidance of Kubota Seion, he returned to swordsmithing and dedicated himself to his craft. During the Tenpo era, he created many masterful swords and gained widespread recognition. Despite his talent, Kiyomaro led a turbulent life. In his later years, he struggled with alcoholism, and, despairing over his inability to work, he took his own life in 1854 at the age of 42.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

*Please keep in mind that there are a couple of Kitae Kizu on the blade. If you like to see 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>: 68.1<\/strong> \u00a0cm (26.8 inches)<\/strong>
\n<\/span>Curvature (Sori)<\/b>: 1.8<\/strong> cm (0.70 inches)\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Hamon<\/strong>:\u00a0<\/span><\/span>
\nThe crystalline structure which forms along the cutting edge of a blade as a result of the hardening process.
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\nJimon (Jihada)<\/span><\/strong>:<\/span>
\nVisible steel surface pattern created by folding and hammering during forging process.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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

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Nakago<\/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<\/strong>:<\/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

\u00a0The fittings of this sword, including the menuki (hilt ornaments), fuchi-kashira (collar and pommel), and tsuba (guard), are all consistently adorned with dragon(\u9f8d) motifs. In Japanese culture, dragons are deeply symbolic, representing strength, wisdom, and protection. Unlike the fire-breathing dragons of Western lore, Japanese dragons are often seen as benevolent guardians associated with water and the heavens.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dragons are also regarded as powerful symbols of good fortune and prosperity, believed to bring blessings and ward off misfortune. Their presence on the sword’s fittings reflects not only an artistic aesthetic but also a wish for the wielder to be endowed with the dragon’s revered qualities of strength and good luck. <\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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Tsuba and Habaki<\/strong>: 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<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Saya<\/strong>: <\/span>Saya is the scabbard for the Japanese sword.\u00a0<\/strong>\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 Nushi (\u5857\u5e2b, lacquerers) was born precisely because advanced techniques were required to handle the complicated processes.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Authentication Paper<\/strong>: <\/span>NBTHK Hozon Certificate for the blade (No.349230)<\/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 Feb 4th in the 10th year of Heisei (1998). 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<\/strong>: Hokkaido 2275<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The Board of Education in Hokkaido issued a registration paper for this sword. It is called Jyu Hou Token Rui Tourokusho (\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