{"id":63111,"date":"2025-02-16T12:07:17","date_gmt":"2025-02-16T03:07:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/?post_type=product&p=63111"},"modified":"2025-11-22T02:17:59","modified_gmt":"2025-11-21T17:17:59","slug":"antique-japanese-sword-katana-signed-by-mizuta-ju-kunishigenbthk-hozon-certificate","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/product\/antique-japanese-sword-katana-signed-by-mizuta-ju-kunishigenbthk-hozon-certificate\/","title":{"rendered":"Antique Japanese Sword Katana Signed by Mizuta Ju Kunishige
NBTHK Hozon <\/span>Certificate"},"content":{"rendered":"

Antique Japanese Sword Katana signed by Kunishige with NBTHK Hozon<\/span> Certificate<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u00a0This blade was signed by Bitchu Koku Mizuta Jyu Kunishige(\u5099\u4e2d\u56fd\u6c34\u7530\u4f4f\u56fd\u91cd). It is estimated that this swordsmith was active during the early Edo period(Mid-Late 17th century<\/strong>). <\/span>Kunishige belonged to Bitchu Koku Mizuta school, which had been founded by the descendants of Ko AOE Tametsugu(\u53e4\u9752\u6c5f\u70ba\u6b21) in the late Muromachi period(1530-). Tametsugu is one of the most famous swordsmiths in the late Heian period-early Kamakura period(Late 12C-Early 13C). One of his works is designated as a national treasure of Japan.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0AOE(\u9752\u6c5f) is the name of the school Tametsugu belonged to. It was located in Kurashiki city, Okayama prefecture today. AOE school was prosperous during the Kamakura-Nanbokucho era(-Late 12C-Late 14C), but it almost disappeared in the Muromachi period. However, because of the descendants of Tametsugu, the Ko AOE-style sword became popular again and revitalized the school by changing its name to Bitchu Koku Mizuta school.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0The Bitchu Koku Mizuta school flourished from 1530-1700(The end of the Sengoku period to the mid-Edo period) in today\u2019s Okayama prefecture. There were about 60 swordsmiths who belonged to Mizuta school and Kunishige were the most prestigious smith name only selected sword makers were allowed to use in this school. During the Edo period, many Kunishige swordsmiths moved to other parts of Japan.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0There are two major groups in Kunishige swordsmiths during the Edo period. One is called Oyogo Kunishige school(\u5927\u4e0e\u4e94\u56fd\u91cd\u6d3e), lead by Master Otsuki\uff08\u5927\u6708\uff09and the other is called Kono school(\u6cb3\u91ce\u6d3e) lead by Tameie(\u70ba\u5bb6).<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Okayama prefecture is located near the Chugoku Mountains, where iron sands, one of the essential materials for making Japanese swords, were abundant. Furthermore, the swordsmiths in Okayama prefecture had close access to Yoshi River, where they could find water and charcoal. This geological location contributed to the swordsmiths to forge high-quality refined blades. We presume Bichu was quite active in sword-forging from ancient times.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0This 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

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*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>: 71.5<\/strong>\u00a0 cm (28.1 inches)<\/strong>
\n<\/span>Curvature (Sori)<\/b>: 1.2<\/strong>\u00a0cm (0.47 inches)\u00a0<\/strong>\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.<\/strong>
\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

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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

\u00a0The fuchi-kashira of this sword features a consistent wave motif. Waves are a powerful symbol in Japanese art and tradition, representing the strength of nature, resilience, and the passage of time. One of the most famous depictions of waves is by Utagawa Hiroshige, whose woodblock prints captured the beauty and power of the sea. In samurai culture, waves also symbolize endurance and adaptability, reflecting the warrior\u2019s ability to face challenges with strength and grace. This design not only enhances the sword\u2019s aesthetic but also carries deep cultural and philosophical significance.<\/span>
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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

\u00a0The Menuki motif appears to depict a mouse, a symbol of luck and prosperity in many Asian cultures.<\/span><\/p>\n

In Japan, the Rat (Ne, \u5b50) is the first sign of the zodiac. Mice are seen as spiritual creatures, as shown in the Kojiki<\/em>, where a white mouse saves the deity \u014ckuninushi by revealing an escape route. In folktales like Nezumi J\u014ddo<\/em>, a kind old man receives treasures from mice in their underground paradise.<\/span><\/p>\n

In China, mice (L\u01ceosh\u01d4, \u8001\u9f20) are linked to weddings. People believed that mice got married on New Year’s Eve, and children were told to sleep early so they wouldn\u2019t disturb the wedding. Traditional New Year prints often depict mouse weddings, symbolizing good fortune. <\/span>In India, mice are sacred as the vehicle of Ganesha, the Hindu god of wisdom and prosperity. They are believed to find hidden treasures. <\/span>Across Asia, mice are symbols of intelligence, prosperity, and good fortune, freely moving between the human world and the realm of hidden riches and spiritual power.<\/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

\u00a0This tsuba features an image of a person holding what appears to be a gunbai(\u8ecd\u914d). A gunbai is a traditional Japanese war fan used by samurai commanders to signal troops during battle. Made of wood, metal, or lacquered paper, it symbolized authority, strategy, and leadership. Over time, the gunbai became a symbol of wisdom and decision-making, often associated with military leaders and sumo referees, who use a similar fan to make official judgments.<\/span><\/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. 3034261)<\/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 May 31th in the 6th year of Reiwa (2024). 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><\/strong>: Kanagawa 6123<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The Board of Education in Kanagawa 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.
\n\u00a0The 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.
\n\u00a0This 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><\/span><\/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.
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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