{"id":63667,"date":"2025-02-18T21:50:23","date_gmt":"2025-02-18T12:50:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/?post_type=product&p=63667"},"modified":"2025-08-22T18:06:15","modified_gmt":"2025-08-22T09:06:15","slug":"antique-japanese-sword-katana-attributed-to-enryushi-kunihide-nbthk-hozon-certificate-2","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/product\/antique-japanese-sword-katana-attributed-to-enryushi-kunihide-nbthk-hozon-certificate-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Antique Japanese Sword Katana Attributed to Enryushi Kunihide
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

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

\u00a0This blade is attribute to Enryushi Kunihide (\u5712\u9f8d\u5b50\u56fd\u79c0), who was active during the Tenpo era (1831-1845: Late Edo period). He was an apprentice of Nakayama \u00a0Ikkansai Yoshihiro (\u4e2d\u5c71\u4e00\u8cab\u658e\u7fa9\u5f18). Kunihide served Itakura clan who was the head of Annaka domain in Kozuke province (Today\u2019s Gunma prefecture) as an Okakae Kaji, who exclusively forged swords for a specific domain or clan. One needed to be very skilled and acknowledged to gain this position. Enryushi is the title Kunide used in his career. He moved to Kamakura in Kanawa prefecture in his late career. He trained Tachibana Enryuji Yoshihide (\u7acb\u82b1\u5186\u7adc\u6c0f\u7fa9\u79c0), who was a grandson of Yoshihiro, his master. This indicates that Kunihide\u2019s craftsmanship was highly regarded and trusted.\u00a0 According to available records, Ryoma Sakamoto, a famous figure at the end of the Edo period, ordered a sword from Kunihide.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Background\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0Japan enjoyed a relatively peaceful time from the early Edo period to the mid-Edo period(the 1600s-1760s) because of the stable economy and the powerful government run by Tokugawa Shogun. Samurai didn\u2019t have many opportunities to utilize his Katana sword in public or on battlefields during this time. Thus, they carried their swords more as a symbol of their social status. The demand for weapons decreased accordingly compared to the previous Warring state period called Sengoku Jidai (1467-1600).<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0However, toward the end of the Edo period(1764-1876), the Japanese sword\u2019s role changed dramatically. With the poverty spreading in Japan, there were so many riots initiated by the civilians. Japanese sword started to play an essential role in maintaining public safety.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Pressure from foreign countries to open Japanese borders also forced Samurai to order strong-looking swords to survive this tumultuous time. We believe many swordsmiths, including Kunihide, made great efforts to forged high-quality, practical blades for their masters to prepare for battles.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0There was a civil war between Tokugawa\u2019s military government and the new Meiji government at the end of the Edo period. That means the original owner of this Katana might have seen the moment when Samurai\u2019s life changed forever.<\/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>: <\/span>86.6 cm (34.09 inches)<\/strong>
\nCurvature (Sori)<\/b>: <\/span><\/span>3.0 cm (1.81 inches)<\/strong><\/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 motif of this Fuchi-Kashira is Karakusa (\u5510\u8349, Arabesque). \u00a0It 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.<\/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 features a dragon, a powerful and revered symbol in Japanese culture. In Japan, dragons are often associated with water and rainfall, signifying their role as guardians of rivers, seas, and skies. They are seen as benevolent creatures that bring prosperity, good fortune, and protection. Additionally, the dragon is a symbol of strength, wisdom, and authority, embodying a mystical power that transcends human limitations. As a mythical creature deeply rooted in Japanese folklore and traditions, the dragon is often considered an auspicious emblem that wards off evil and ensures harmony.<\/span>
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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

\u00a0The motif of this Tsuba is the Hachiy\u014d (\u516b\u66dc, Eight Luminaries) family crest. This design represents seven stars revolving around a central star, symbolizing devotion to My\u014dken Bosatsu (\u5999\u898b\u83e9\u85a9, one of the dieties of Buddhism). It was the family crest of the Maita clan (\u8494\u7530\u6c0f), a branch of the Fujiwara clan(\u85e4\u539f\u6c0f). Originally aristocrats, the Maita clan later became Samurai and, after the Meiji era, were elevated to the status of Kazoku (\u83ef\u65cf, nobility), receiving the title of viscount from the emperor.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The side of this Tsuba also features Tsuschime (\u69cc\u76ee, Hammered pattern). This pattern is created by striking the metal with a hammer, forming small indentations that reduce light reflection and give the surface a unique texture, different from the natural shine of the metal. When this technique is applied to weapons, as seen in this Tsuba, it may have also served the purpose of improving grip and making it less slippery.<\/span>
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Saya<\/strong>: <\/span>Saya is the scabbard for the Japanese sword.\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

While its overall condition of this Saya is great, there are a couple of tiny area where lacquer comes off, which is natural for lacquered items of this age.<\/p>\n

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Authentication Paper<\/strong>: <\/span>NBTHK Hozon Certificate for the blade (No. 3033759)<\/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 21th 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>: Tochigi 40706<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The Board of Education in Tochigi 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