Antique Japanese Sword Katana Signed by Kaneshige with <\/span>Tokubetsu Hozon<\/span> <\/span>Certificate<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \u3010Description\u3011<\/strong><\/span> This blade was signed by Kazusa no Suke Kaneshige (\u4e0a\u7dcf\u4ecb\u517c\u91cd) during the early Edo period (before 1662) in Musashi province (today’s Tokyo). The back of the tang says Tameshigiri (test cutting) was conducted, which we will explain in detail later in the description.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0He was especially active during the Kanbun-Enpo era (1661-1681) in Musashi province (Today’s Tokyo area).\u00a0 There were also records of him forging blades in Sendai (Today’s Miyagi prefecture) and Ise (Today’s Mie prefecture). He was one of the most reputable swordsmiths in Edo during the early Edo period.\u00a0 He is also known as the second-gen Kaneshige<\/strong> because he was an apprentice for Izumi no Kami Kaneshige (\u548c\u6cc9\u5b88\u517c\u91cd), a prestigious sword maker.\u00a0 And he eventually took over his master’s school in his career. It is said that the transition period from the first-gen to the second-gen is around the Keian era (1648-1652). The maker’s name, Kaneshige, lasted three generations.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0One of Izumi no Kami Kaneshige’s apprentices was Kotetsu (\u864e\u5fb9), also known as Nakasone Okisato. Okisato is another prominent swordsmith in the early Edo period. Kazusa no Kami Fujiwara Kaneshige and Kotetsu both learned excellent craftsmanship from their master, Izumi no Kami Kaneshige, during the same period.\u00a0It is said that a famous swordsman, Musashi Miyamoto, once owned a sword forged by Kazusa no Kami Fujiwara Kaneshige. This story proves how acknowledged this swordsmith was during that time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n First-gen Kaneshige and the second-gen Kaneshige<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0First-gen Kaneshige (Izumi no Kami Kaneshige, \u548c\u6cc9\u5b88\u517c\u91cd) was active during the early Edo period (1624-1652). He is said to have been originally from the Echizen province, which was ruled by the Matsudaira clan, a direct retainer of the Tokugawa Shogunate.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0In the first year of the Kan-Ei era (1624), he moved from Echizen to Edo. In the third year of the Kan-Ei era (1626), he received the honorable official title of Izumi Daijo from the imperial court for his excellent craftsmanship. He was promoted to Izumi no Kami in his late career. <\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Kaneshige started to serve Todo Takatora, one of the most famous feudal lords during the warring state and early Edo periods. Takatora was the head of the Ise domain (Today’s Mie prefecture). It is said that Kaneshige <\/span>was able to<\/span> work for Takatora because Musashi Miyamoto and Todo Takatora knew each other <\/span>and<\/span> Musashi introduced the first-gen Kaneshige to Todo Takatora. The second-gen Kaneshige, Kazusa no Kami Fujiwara Kaneshige, also served the Todo Takatora family. <\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The second-gen Kaneshige received the honorable official title of Kazusa no Kami from the imperial court for his excellent craftsmanship, and he requested to change his official title to Kazusa no Suke. Here is an interesting fact about this change. Todo Takatora, who hired him as a swordsmith, also received the Kazusa no Kami title after the second-gen Kanshige had received it. The second-gen Kaneshige thought it was <\/span>not right<\/span> to use the same official title as his lord and decided to change it. This story tells us how loyal and considerate the second-gen Kaneshige was to his lord.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Both generations of Kaneshige are also known for forging very sharp swords, which made them and his work classified as Yoki Wazamono Toko( \u826f\u696d\u7269\u5200\u5de5). Wazamono is a classification of Japanese swords and swordsmiths used in Japan to identify historic blades of exceptional quality in the book written by Kaiho Kenjaku ( \u61d0\u5b9d\u5263\u5c3a ) in 1797.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Tameshigiri (test cutting) signature<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0According to the certificate and the inscription on the Nakago, this blade was used for test cutting by Yamano Kaemon Nagahisa(\u5c71\u91ce\u52a0\u53f3\u885b\u9580\u6c38\u4e45) on Feb 10th, 1661, which coincides with the active period of Kazusa no Kami Kaneshige. This inscription is known as a Saidan-mei (\u622a\u65ad\u9298, test cutting signature), and it is inlaid with gold (Kinzou Gan). The inscription “Futatsu-d\u014d-saidan (\u5f10\u30c4\u80f4\u622a\u65ad)” reveals that this blade was capable of cutting through two bodies at the same time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Test cutting was typically performed using the bodies of executed prisoners. However, using human bodies for test cutting was only permitted for the Otameshi Goyo (\u5fa1\u69d8\u5fa1\u7528),\u00a0 a special group tasked with testing the sharpness of swords for the Sh\u014dgun and high-class Samurai. These Samurai would hire these specialists to verify the functionality of their swords. However, the fees for such services were very high. It is said that the fee for Yamanoka Emon Kaemon Nagahisa’s test cutting was 10 ry\u014d (10\u4e21, equivalent to approximately 1.5 million yen or 10,000 US dollars today).<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Given that the sword was tested by Yamano Kaemon Nagahisa and had a gold-inlaid Saidan-mei, the samurai who owned it was likely of a very high status.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u00a0It is appraised as a Tokubetsu Hozon Token <\/strong>(\u7279\u5225\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, especially well preserved and high quality with artistic value.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n *Please keep in mind that there are a couple of partial black rusts on the edge part of this blade. Also, there is small Kitae Kizu on the Mune (backbone of the blade). If you like to know the detailed condition, please feel free to contact us. We will take additional images for you.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u3010Blade\u3011<\/span><\/strong> Hamon<\/strong><\/span>\uff1a Kissaki\uff1a<\/span><\/strong><\/span>Kissaki is the tip\u00a0of the Japanese sword.<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Nakago<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aNakago is the tang of the Japanese sword. <\/strong><\/span><\/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 <\/p>\n Koshirae\uff1aKoshirae 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 \u00a0<\/span> <\/p>\n 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 \u00a0The Fuchi Kashira features the tiger and bamboo. The tiger (\u864e, tora) is seen as a brave and strong animal, and its pattern has been used as a talisman to ward off evil spirits.<\/span> Tsuka and Menuki<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aTsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n We believe the theme of this Menuki is tiger as well. 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<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0Arabesque (\u5510\u8349, Karakusa) is depicted on this Tsuba. 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> Saya<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aSaya is the scabbard for the Japanese sword.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0This Saya 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Authentication Paper<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aNBTHK TOKUBETSU Hozon Certificate for the blade (No. 147299)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0NBTHK<\/a><\/span><\/span>, 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 April 8th in the 14th year of Heisei (2002). 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><\/span> for your record if you request.<\/span><\/p>\n Registration Number : Hyogo 114846<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0The Board of Education in Hyogo 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. <\/p>\n —————————————————————–<\/p>\n \u3010About us\u3011<\/span><\/strong> \u3010Japanese Sword& Export Process<\/strong>\u3011<\/span> \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. \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 allowed 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.<\/span><\/p>\n \u3010Payment Method\u3011<\/strong> * 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> \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 \u3010Review\u3011<\/strong> \u3010How to make sure the condition\u3011<\/strong><\/span> \u3010How To Contact Us\u3011<\/strong> \u3010The Art of Nihonto (Japanese Sword)<\/strong>\u3011 \u3010A Guide to Japanese Sword Maintenance<\/strong>\u3011<\/span>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/musashi_OCMOJ_0927.jpg\")
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\nCutting Edge Length(Nagasa)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a73.9 cm (29.1\u00a0 inches)<\/strong><\/span>
\n<\/strong><\/span>Curvature(Sori)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a1.0 cm (0.39 inches)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/toushin2-6-scaled.jpg\")
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\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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/katana-9.jpg\")
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\nIn Japan, the tiger is often depicted alongside bamboo, as the two symbolize resilience and vitality\u2014bamboo bends but does not break, while the tiger represents fearlessness and strength. The kanji for tiger (\u864e) is also associated with life force and energy, and tiger imagery has traditionally been used to wish for the strong and healthy growth of boys. This combination of tiger and bamboo reflects the ideal qualities of perseverance, courage, and enduring strength in Japanese culture.<\/span>
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\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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/touroku-7-scaled.jpg\")
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\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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/5623eabfdde4147c0ecdc704028c6ecd.jpg\")
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\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
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\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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/SSL_payment_1222-01-1.jpg\")
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\n\u00a0We have shipped authentic Japanese swords to the USA, Canada, Mexico, Germany , Belgium, France, Finland, 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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/48026a8af882b8fafae180fa48fbd5f4.jpg\")
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\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
\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
\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
\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
\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