Antique Japanese Sword Katana Signed by Kanekage with NBTHK Hozon<\/span> Certificate<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u3010Description\u3011<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0This blade was signed by Mimasaka Koku Jyu Kanekage (\u7f8e\u4f5c\u4f4f\u517c\u666f). Kanekage was a swordsmith active from the early Muromachi period to the Edo period. According to the NBTHK, this sword was forged during the Shinto era (early-mid Edo period). The maker’s name Mimasaka Jyu Kanekage lasted four generations during Genna-Genbun era (1615-1741: early-mid-Edo period), after Kanekage had relocated to Mimasaka (present-day Okayama Prefecture). The Kanekage lineage originally worked in Seki, Mino province (present-day Gifu Prefecture), which was one of the most flourishing center of sword-smithing at the time. However, some later generations of Kanekage moved to Mimasaka during the Edo period.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The first-generation Kanekage in Mino provinice was the son of Naoe Kaneyuki (\u76f4\u6c5f\u517c\u884c), who, through Kaneuji (\u517c\u6c0f), was connected to the lineage of the Masamune Jittetsu (\u6b63\u5b97\u5341\u54f2, “Ten Great Disciples of Masamune”). As a result, the first Kanekage belonged to the Naoe Shizu school (\u76f4\u6c5f\u5fd7\u6d25\u6d3e), one of the renowned swordsmithing traditions in Mino province.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The name Kanekage was passed down through multiple generations. While many swordsmiths in Seki changed their names upon entering the Shint\u014d period (New Sword era), Kanekage preserved both his lineage and his name, as well as his distinct signature style, characterized by bold and powerful strokes.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The swordsmiths of Mino province, known for their unwavering dedication and exceptional craftsmanship, developed a unique sword-forging tradition called Mino-den (\u7f8e\u6fc3\u4f1d). This tradition was characterized by togari-ba (pointed shapes protruding from the hamon), a classic straight temper line, and a midare-ba (irregular temper pattern) sometimes accompanied by a whitish utsuri. Mino-den originated from Yamato-den in the late Kamakura period (1280\u20131330) and flourished throughout the Nanbokuch\u014d and Muromachi periods (1333\u20131573), continuing its legacy well into the Edo period (1603\u20131868). The evolution and endurance of Mino-den stand as a testament to the skill and artistry of its swordsmiths.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Mino-den reached its peak during the Sengoku Jidai (Warring States period), when the demand for weapons surged. The province’s strategic location gave it a competitive edge\u2014Akechi Mitsuhide controlled Mino, Oda Nobunaga ruled neighboring Owari, and Tokugawa Ieyasu governed Suruga. These powerful feudal lords and their retainers required a steady supply of weapons. Additionally, Mino was geographically positioned between the Kant\u014d region and Kyoto, making it a convenient hub for sword orders. The blades produced in Mino were renowned for their practical design and exceptional sharpness, further solidifying the province\u2019s reputation as a premier center for sword production. The highly refined craftsmanship has passed to the Edo period as well and many of the swordsmiths in Mino moved to other parts of Japan for other opportunities. Kanekage was one of them.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0It is appraised as a\u00a0Hozon Token\u00a0<\/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.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n *Please keep in mind that there is a small Kitae Kizu on the blade. If you like to see the detailed condition, please feel free to contact us.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u3010Blade\u3011<\/span><\/strong> <\/p>\n Hamon<\/strong>:\u00a0<\/span><\/span> <\/p>\n Kissaki<\/strong>:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Kissaki is the tip\u00a0of the Japanese sword.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Nakago<\/strong><\/span>:<\/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 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 <\/p>\n Fuchi-Kashira<\/strong>: A pair of matching sword fittings that cover the upper and bottom parts of its sword hilt.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Butterflies (\u8776 ,Chou) are depicted on this Fuchi Kashira. People preferred a butterfly pattern due to its growth process, beauty, and auspiciousness among the various animal patterns. A larva becomes a chrysalis, and it grows up into a butterfly. Since this insect changes its looks, it symbolizes being reborn; therefore, Samurai loved this design. In this way, butterflies are seen as symbols of human life, death, and resurrection and are said to house the souls of the dead.<\/span><\/p>\n 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 design of this Tsuba features the traditional Mokko-gata (\u6728\u74dc\u578b, \u201cmokko shape\u201d), a form that has been cherished in Japanese sword fittings since ancient times. The term Mokko (\u6728\u74dc) is believed to originate from the Japanese quince plant (\u6728\u74dc, bokke), whose rounded flowers and fruits inspired this shape. This plant, often seen in Japanese gardens and ikebana (flower arrangements), symbolizes prosperity and abundance. As such, the Mokko-gata design on this tsuba carries auspicious connotations, blending natural beauty with symbolic meaning.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The Mokko-gata design is also deeply connected to Japanese family crests (kamon<\/em>). This motif, known as the \u201cmokko mon\u201d (\u6728\u74dc\u7d0b), was widely adopted by samurai warlords and prominent families, symbolizing protection and familial prosperity. By incorporating this design into the tsuba, the owner could express their pride in their lineage and their identity as a samurai, blending practicality with a sense of cultural and personal significance.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0About the design, we assume the surface of both sides is a wood grain pattern, which is called the Mokume (\u6762\u76ee or \u6728\u76ee). It is said that the wood grain pattern was used for not only Tsuba\u2019s design but also many other accessories and households in the Edo period as the technique of Japanese tradition fascinating people from abroad at that time.<\/span><\/p>\n Kougai<\/strong><\/strong>\uff1aKougai is the equipment for Samurai to arrange or fix his hair style.<\/strong><\/p>\n Saya<\/strong>: Saya is the scabbard for the Japanese sword.\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0We believe the theme of this Saya is wave (Nami: \u6ce2). As waves\u2019 movements continue endlessly, the wave pattern represents eternity, immortality, longevity, birth, etcetera. Also, since tides repeatedly change the shape and terrain of rocks, some people hoped for a strong will by using this motif. People used this pattern wishing for an indomitable spirit to rechallenge time and time without giving up. Thanks to its dynamic design, this motif has been appreciated, especially for men\u2019s Kimono (traditional Japanese costume).<\/span><\/p>\n Authentication Paper<\/strong>: <\/span>NBTHK Hozon Certificate for the blade (No.3034441)<\/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 31st 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 Registration Number<\/span><\/strong>: Hokkaido 9515<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The Board of Education in Hokkaido 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. \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 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> * 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\/mino_gokaden_0927.jpg\")
\u00a0![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/mino_gokaden_JMAP_0709.jpg\")
<\/span><\/p>\n
\nCutting Edge Length (Nagasa)<\/span>: 65.7 cm (25.8 inches)<\/strong>
\n<\/span>Curvature (Sori)<\/b>: 1.8<\/strong>cm (0.7 inches)\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/393e78a52df19dc9960a26d5dae44698-55-scaled.jpg\")
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/a63b16ec6864efec3595e3cd123d755f-52-scaled.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/e4115684b98b182ed14efaae360d87dc-37.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/12d2a0a2c16f74f6093ec00a29dd1783-38.jpg\")
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/bce56ad2d541de5a118b92406ba313e6-42-scaled.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ba37ddaee93487963bac3a683c6b8480-42-scaled.jpg\")
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/49cd7981bf2b76d24938f20511796ddf-41-scaled.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/b5325ab53d00a76d931aab2375cebf0a-43-scaled.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/992729193a6a1ab16df443b42ce0cfe5-35-scaled.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/5ae9a71b67ac9c622b0dc1a7d67166f7-38-scaled.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/2b8dd2a773138e1e794649ba4059f23b-22-scaled.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/37cb9d63f3609a80a21d48d0f80963a9-39-scaled.jpg\")
\nTsuka and Menuki<\/strong>: Tsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/2b6734b484996edbed0a8a72ee3a1b9b-36-scaled.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/4bf5bc17fc09b92259806088fd8fa453-36-scaled.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/6dcaf29dda84f573334d44b3402e18a0-30-scaled.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/54b55299a5b746e3f5b5bdf1ad573c0d-1-scaled.jpg\")
\u3000![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/2896ebd716d44b3c7628f80708da4755-12-scaled.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/732256025002ea80f0d95f1abc41ed29-34-scaled.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/e695b21d3fdc721a9d0962833b61439a-17-scaled.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/9121329e965e72bfdb53f90a8adf9a37-32-scaled.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/4e7d45c31a5ad1489d4d278276eb356a-40-scaled.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/f604098fd1b1f10ce5e58f3055834a26-42-scaled.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\n
\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\")
<\/a><\/p>\n
\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
\n<\/span><\/p>\n
\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\")
<\/p>\n
\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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/48026a8af882b8fafae180fa48fbd5f4.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\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