Antique Japanese Sword Katana Signed by the second-gen Izumi no Kami Fujiwara Kunisada with <\/span>Tokubetsu Hozon<\/span> <\/span>Certificate<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \u3010Description\u3011<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Summary\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0This blade was signed by Izumi no Kami Fujiwara Kunisada (\u548c\u6cc9\u5b88\u85e4\u539f\u56fd\u8c9e), the second-generation Kunisada, more commonly known by his name Inoue Shinkai (\u4e95\u4e0a\u771f\u6539). He was active during the early Edo period, primarily between the 1640s and 1680s, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest swordsmiths of Osaka.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Shinkai was born\u00a0 in the 7th year of the Kan-Ei era (1630) as the second son of the first-generation Kunisada, who had been a prominent disciple of Horikawa Kunihiro. Shinkai inherited his father\u2019s name “Kunisada” early in his career , signing his works with that name before later adopting the signature “Inoue Shinkai.” For this reason, to distinguish between the two generations, the father is referred to as “Oya Kunisada” (Father Kunisada), while the son is known as “Shinkai Kunisada.” He received Izumi no Kami (\u548c\u6cc9\u5b88) title in the first year of the Jo-Ou era (1652). Kami is honorable official title given by the imperial court for one’s excellent craftsmanship.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0During the Kei-an era (1648-1652), Shinkai often did Daisaku for his father. \u00a0Daisaku is a regular act where an apprentice or a child of the swordsmith signs his master\u2019s name with his master\u2019s permission or forges a blade on behalf of the master. That means that his master highly acknowledged Shinkai\u2019s craftsmanship. Considering the fact that Shinkai did Daisaku for his father, they must have had a very close relationship and trusted each other. In 1661, he was allowed to inscribe Kikumon (chrysanthemum emblem) , which is the symbol of the Japanese emperor. After receiving this honor, he changed his maker’s name to Inoue Izumi no Kami Kunisada.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0It is said that he change<\/span>d his maker’s name from Inoue Izumi no Kami Kunisada to Inoue Shinai after the 12th year of the Kanbun era (1672). Considering this fact, we believe this blade was during 1652-1661.<\/p>\n \u00a0Shinkai elevated the reputation of the Osaka school of swordsmithing with his refined technique, impeccable craftsmanship, and elegant hamon (temper lines). His swords are known for their exceptional sharpness and durability, and are classified as \u014cwazamono, meaning “great cutting swords.”<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0He trained many talented apprentices, helping to solidify Osaka as a major center for sword-making during the early Edo period. Shinkai passed away in 1682 at the age of 63, leaving behind a legacy that placed him among the finest smiths in Japanese sword history.<\/span><\/p>\n Osaka Shinto<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The blades made by the second-gen Kunisada are categorized as Osaka Shinto. Shinto is Japanese Sword terminology that refers to the swords forged during 1596-1781. The blades made in the Osaka area during this period are called Osaka Shinto. There are many famous swordsmiths in this Osaka Shinto era. After Hideyoshi Toyotomi built Osaka castle, Osaka city flourished as a castle town and became the business center. Many swordsmiths moved to Osaka to look for better opportunities. They not only forged swords for those Samurai who lived in Osaka but also for feudal lords nationwide. Ikanshi Tadatsuna (Awataguchi Omi no Kami Tadatsuna), Inoue Shinkai (his son), and Tsuda Sukehiro are the most famous among many swordsmiths.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0One of the most notable characteristics of Osaka Shinto is its beauty in Jigane. Jigane is a visible steel surface pattern created by folding and hammering during the forging process), which made it possible by the location of Osaka. Osaka had close access to the Tamahagane (special carbon steel to make Japanese swords) production sites. The swordsmiths residing in Osaka were able to get high-quality carbon steel from these sites.<\/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 \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 motif on this fuchi-kashira is believed to depict ominaeshi (Patrinia scabiosaefolia), one of the Aki-no Nanakusa (\u79cb\u306e\u4e03\u8349), or the Seven Flowers of Autumn. These seven traditional autumn plants include: bush clover (hagi), pampas grass (susuki), arrowroot (kuzu), dianthus (nadeshiko), ominaeshi, boneset (fujibakama), and bellflower (kikyo).<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0These plants are often depicted growing close together, evoking an atmospheric, melancholic beauty. At the same time, they symbolize the transience of life and the poetic sadness of passing time\u2014a theme deeply rooted in classical Japanese aesthetics.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The term Aki-no Nanakusa was coined by the poet Yamanoue no Okura (\u5c71\u4e0a\u61b6\u826f), whose works appear in the Many\u014dsh\u016b (\u4e07\u8449\u96c6), the oldest existing collection of Japanese poetry, compiled in the 8th century. His two poems in the Many\u014dsh\u016b gave rise to the cultural recognition of these seven plants as emblematic of the autumn season in Japan.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span> Tsuka and Menuki<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aTsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0This pair of menuki features the faces of Tengu and Hannya, two iconic figures from Japanese folklore and traditional theater.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The Tengu(\u5929\u72d7) is a mythical creature in Japanese folklore, often portrayed with a red face and a long nose. Tengu were originally considered disruptive demons but later came to be seen as protective spirits, particularly of the mountains and forests. They are often associated with martial prowess and spiritual training, and were believed to test or punish arrogant samurai and monks. In this context, the Tengu motif may represent discipline, vigilance, and the power of nature.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The Hannya(\u822c\u82e5)\u00a0mask originates from Noh theater, where it represents a woman transformed into a vengeful demon due to jealousy and sorrow. With its sharp horns, glaring eyes, and menacing expression, the mask conveys a mix of rage, sadness, and human vulnerability. The Hannya motif serves as a symbol of intense emotion, the dangers of obsession, and the tragic side of the human condition.<\/span><\/p>\n 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 \u00a0The theme of this tsuba appears to be a sukashi (openwork) design of aoi no ha\u2014hollyhock leaves. The hollyhock (\u8475, aoi) has deep cultural significance in Japan, historically associated with nobility and sacred rituals. Most famously, it is the emblem of the Tokugawa shogunate, one of the most powerful ruling families in Japanese history, and can be seen in their family crest, the aoi-mon.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Hollyhock leaves were also revered in ancient Shinto rituals, particularly in the Aoi Matsuri (Hollyhock Festival) of Kyoto, one of the oldest festivals in Japan, dating back over a thousand years. In this context, the aoi leaf symbolizes purity, protection, and a connection to the divine.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The sukashi technique used in this tsuba not only lightens the piece but also gives it an elegant, airy feel, allowing the motif to stand out in silhouette. It reflects both technical mastery and an appreciation for nature\u2014a hallmark of Japanese aesthetics during the Edo period.<\/span><\/p>\n Saya<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aSaya is the scabbard for the Japanese sword.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Authentication Paper<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aNBTHK TOKUBETSU Hozon Certificate for the blade (No. 1012775)<\/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 February 19th in the 2nd year of Reiwa (2020). 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 : <\/span>Fukuoka 40824<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0The Board of Education in Kanagawa prefecture 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 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\/08\/settsu_OCMOJ_0802.jpg\")
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\nCutting Edge Length(Nagasa)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a69.7 cm (27.4 inches)<\/strong><\/span>
\nCurvature(Sori)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a1.6 cm (0.62 inches)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/393e78a52df19dc9960a26d5dae44698-32-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\/05\/e4115684b98b182ed14efaae360d87dc-31.jpg\")
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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\/05\/4e7d45c31a5ad1489d4d278276eb356a-30-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 700 Japanese swords for the past few years (\uff5e2024) 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