{"id":69031,"date":"2025-05-24T17:09:26","date_gmt":"2025-05-24T08:09:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/?post_type=product&p=69031"},"modified":"2026-03-31T11:04:20","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T02:04:20","slug":"antique-japanese-sword-wakizashi-signed-by-omi-no-kami-fujiwara-tsuguhironbthk-tokubetsu-hozon-certificate","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/product\/antique-japanese-sword-wakizashi-signed-by-omi-no-kami-fujiwara-tsuguhironbthk-tokubetsu-hozon-certificate\/","title":{"rendered":"Antique Japanese Sword Wakizashi Signed by Omi no Kami Fujiwara Tsuguhiro
NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon<\/strong> <\/span>Certificate"},"content":{"rendered":"

Antique Japanese Sword Wakizashi Signed by Omi no Kami Fujiwara Tsuguhiro<\/span>\u00a0with NBTHK Tokubetsu<\/span> Hozon<\/span> Certificate<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u00a0This blade was signed in May, the 8th year of Enpo era (\u5ef6\u5b9d\u516b\u5e74, 1680) by Omi no Kami Fujiwara Tsuguhiro (\u8fd1\u6c5f\u5b88\u85e4\u539f\u7d99\u5e83), who<\/span> was a swordsmith of the Echizen Shimosaka school, especially active from around the Kanbun era (1661\u20131673). Though originally based in Echizen Province (modern-day Fukui Prefecture), he also worked in Edo (Tokyo) and Omi province (today’s Shiga prefecture), reflecting his broad appeal and high demand among samurai clientele. He was known as an apprentice of the third-gen Echizen Yasutsugu, who was the head of Ezhizen Shimosaka school.\u00a0 He received an honorable official title of Omi no Kami in his career. Kami is an honorable official title given by the imperial court for one’s excellent craftsmanship.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Shimosaka school<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0It is said that the first-gen Yasutsugu was the founder of the Echizen Shimoasaka school. He was born in Shimosaka town in Shiga prefecture at the end of the Muromachi period(Late 16 century ). He built his career there until the beginning of the Keicho era(1596). However, he moved to Echizen province due to the relocation of the lord he served. He eventually was noticed and supported by Matsudaira Hideyasu, the third son of Tokugawa Ieyasu, who was the founder of the Edo government.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Hideysu was the feudal lord of Echizen province during the early Edo period. With the support of Hideyasu, the first-gen Yasutsugu was able to establish the Echizen Shimosaka school. And his school\u2019s fame became nationwide. By Hideyasu\u2019s recommendation, the first-gen Yasutsugu became Okakaekaji for the Tokugawa shogun family, meaning that he exclusively forged swords for the Shogun family. Yasutsu was acknowledged by the first and second Tokugawa Shoguns, Tokugawa Ieyasu, and Tokugawa Hidetada.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The first-gen Yasutsugu received \u5eb7(YASU) from Tokugawa Ieyasu and changed his maker\u2019s name. He was also allowed to inscribe the holly oak symbol(family crest of Tokugawa) on the tang. The school flourished during the Edo period and trained many skilled apprentices. Third-gen Yasutsugu, the master of Tsuguhiro, was a successor of the first-gen.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\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

*Please keep in mind that there are a couple of Kitae Kizu on this blade. If you like to know the detailed condition, please feel free to contact us.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

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\u3010Blade\u3011<\/span><\/strong>
\nCutting Edge Length (Nagasa)<\/strong>: 58.9\u00a0 cm (19.5 inches)<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\nCurvature (Sori)<\/strong>: 0.2 cm (0.07 inches)<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Hamon<\/strong>:\u00a0<\/span>
\nThe crystalline structure which forms along the cutting edge of a blade as a result of the hardening process.<\/strong><\/span>
\nJimon(Jihada)<\/span><\/strong>:\u00a0<\/span>
\nvisible steel surface pattern created by folding and hammering during forging process<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Kissaki<\/strong>: <\/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>\uff1a<\/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>
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Fuchi-Kashira<\/strong>:<\/span>A pair of matching sword fittings that cover the upper and bottom parts of its sword hilt.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0This Fuchi-kashira features a sansui-ga (landscape painting) motif, within which a lone fisherman is depicted. In traditional East Asian landscape art, fishermen frequently appear as symbolic figures admired by scholars and literati. They represent various ideals: freedom from worldly constraints, as inspired by the ancient Chinese poem Fisherman\u2019s Song (\u6f01\u592b\u8f9e, Gyofu-shi); hidden talent or sage-like wisdom, drawing from the legend of Jiang Ziya (\u592a\u516c\u671b, also known as Taigong Wang); and the unique ability to access utopias like the fabled Peach Blossom Spring (\u6843\u6e90\u90f7, T\u014dgenky\u014d). These associations reflect the values and aspirations of those who appreciated such artworks.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Tsuka and Menuki<\/strong>: <\/span>Tsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0This menuki appears to feature a dragon (\u9f8d, ry\u016b) as its motif. Dragons are highly significant mythical creatures in the cultures of East Asia, including Japan and China. <\/span>In Japan, as in China, dragons are depicted with long, serpentine bodies, horns, whiskers, and scales. They are known as beings that control water and clouds. Unlike the fire-breathing dragons of Western mythology, East Asian dragons are often regarded as water deities, heavenly messengers, or symbols of imperial authority. They are auspicious symbols representing strength, wisdom, and protection.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\nTsuba and Habaki<\/strong>: <\/span>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<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0The theme of this Tsuba is \u201cSansui-ga\u201d (\u5c71\u6c34\u753b, traditional East Asian landscape painting).<\/span>
Landscape motifs such as mountains and rivers are commonly found in sword fittings. Many of these scenes are not simple representations of nature, but are depicted as a means of expressing philosophical ideas and personal emotions through nature. <\/span>Sansui-ga utilizes negative space to create a sense of depth, movement, and harmony. Elements like mountains, rivers, trees, rocks, clouds, and animals are used symbolically to reflect the artist\u2019s inner values, feelings, and worldview.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0This artistic tradition originates in ancient China and is deeply tied to a longing for sacred mountains believed to be inhabited by immortals. In Japan, the genre gained popularity during the Muromachi period, influenced by the spread of Zen aesthetics and ink landscape painting (sumi-e<\/em>), and was eventually incorporated into sword fittings as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Saya<\/strong>:<\/span>\u00a0Saya is the scabbard for the Japanese sword.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The saya appears to be made in the kairagi samegawa togidashi-zaya style(\u6885\u82b1\u76ae\u9bab\u76ae\u7814\u51fa\u9798), which involves wrapping the scabbard with the skin of a kairagi-zame (a type of shark known for its distinctive bumpy texture). After applying lacquer over the sharkskin, the surface is polished to reveal the unique pattern beneath. This technique highlights both the natural texture of the skin and the refined craftsmanship involved.<\/span>
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Authentication Paper<\/strong>: <\/span>NBTHK TOKUBETSU Hozon Certificate for the blade (No. 1023372)<\/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 December 4th in the 6th year of Reiwa (2024). 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

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Registration Number<\/span><\/strong>:\u00a0<\/span> Ibaraki 13010<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The Board of Education in Ibaraki 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, UK, Canada, Mexico, Germany, France, Hong Kong UK<\/a>, <\/span><\/span>and Australia<\/span><\/a><\/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

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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