{"id":69864,"date":"2025-06-10T14:51:47","date_gmt":"2025-06-10T05:51:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/?post_type=product&p=69864"},"modified":"2025-07-21T17:31:24","modified_gmt":"2025-07-21T08:31:24","slug":"antique-japanese-sword-tanto-signed-by-shigezane-nthk-hozon-certificate","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/product\/antique-japanese-sword-tanto-signed-by-shigezane-nthk-hozon-certificate\/","title":{"rendered":"Antique Japanese Sword Tanto Signed by Shigezane
NBTHK Hozon <\/span> Certificate"},"content":{"rendered":"

Antique Japanese Sword Tanto Signed by <\/span>Shigezane<\/span>\u00a0with NTHK Hozon\u00a0<\/span>Certificate<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u00a0This blade was signed by Bizen koku Osafune ju Shigezane (\u5099\u524d\u56fd\u9577\u8239\u4f4f\u91cd\u771f), who was active during the Shochu-Enbun era (1324-1359: The end Kamakura-Mid Nanbokucho period) in Bizen province (today\u2019s Okayama prefecture). The back of the singature says that the blade was forged during the Shochu era (1324-1326). He belonged to Hatakeda Mori schoo, a branch of Osafune (\u9577\u8239) school. It is said that Shigezane was an apprentice of Kagemitsu and the younger brother of Motoshige, who was one of the most prominent figures in the school during that time. According to one theory, Shigezane later became an apprentice of Soshu Sadamune.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0When Shigezane was active in the Nanbokucho period, Japan was tumultuous because the imperial court was split into two sides(south and north). There were many conflicts, and many Samurai were deployed. We assume he must have dedicated himself to forging high-quality blades for those Samurai who fought in battles.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0It is said that Osafune school was founded by Mitsutada (\u5149\u5fe0), who was active during the mid-Kamakura period. Bizen Osafune school was the biggest one of all other schools in Bizen province, and they received many orders from feudal lords or renowned Samurai. They were called Osafunemono and beloved by Samurai warriors.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Among the swordsmiths who belonged to this school, Nagamitsu, Sanenaga, and Kagemitsu are known as Osafune Sansaku, the three renowned Osafune swordsmiths. There are also four other prominent swordsmiths who were from Bizen Osafune school. They are called Osafune Shiten-no, the four masters of Osafune school. Their names are Nagamitsu, Kanemitsu, Nagayoshi, and Motoshige.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0BIZEN is located near the Chugoku Mountains, where iron sands, one of the essential materials for making Japanese swords, were abundant. Furthermore, BIZEN swordsmiths had close access to Yoshi River, where they could find water and charcoal. This geological location contributed to the swordsmiths forging high-quality refined blades. We presume BIZEN was quite active in sword-forging from ancient times. It is said that BIZEN DEN was created by groups of swordsmiths there during the late Heian era (Late 12th century ). These ancient swordsmiths in Bizen province are called Ko-Bizen (Old Bizen) swordsmiths. By inheriting the sword forging techniques from Ko-Bizen swordsmiths, the Bizen Osafune school flourished from the mid-Kamakura period.<\/span><\/p>\n

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*Please keep in mind that there is a couple of Kitae Kizu on blade. If you like to see 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)<\/span>: 25.0 cm (9.84 inches)<\/strong><\/span>
\nCurvature (Sori)<\/b>: 0.1 <\/strong>cm (0.04 inches)\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/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>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 theme of this Fuchi-Kashira is the Aoi-Karakusa (\u8475\u5510\u8349). Aoi (Asarum caulescens, \u8475) is a plant pattern in which each stem branches and has characteristic heart-shaped leaves. As its leaves have a habit of always facing the sun, and the word \u201cAoi\u201d is taken as \u201cAogu (\u4ef0\u3050, looking up)\u201d for the sun, people thought the Aoi pattern would bring good fortune.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Karakusa (Arabesque) 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><\/p>\n

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\u3000Thus, the Aoi-Karakusa pattern, which combines the motifs of these plants that were mentioned above, has long been cherished in Japan as a symbol of good fortune.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n

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

\u00a0 The motif of this Menuki is a family crest called Tokugawa Aoi\u00a0 (\u5fb3\u5ddd\u8475). \u00a0Tokugawa Aoi features three Asarum caulescens leaves arranged with their tips facing inward, encircled by a normally thick round border. It is the family crest of the Tokugawa clan (\u5fb3\u5ddd\u5bb6), the ruling shogunate family of the Edo period. It also serves as the divine crest (\u795e\u7d0b) of Nikk\u014d T\u014dsh\u014dg\u016b (\u65e5\u5149\u5e02\u65e5\u5149\u6771\u7167\u5bae), the temple crest (\u5bfa\u7d0b) of Z\u014dj\u014d-ji Temple in Tokyo (\u6771\u4eac\u5897\u4e0a\u5bfa), and of Seiry\u014d-ji Temple in Kyoto (\u4eac\u90fd\u5e02\u6e05\u51c9\u5bfa).<\/span><\/p>\n

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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 Kiri-Houou (\u6850\u9cf3\u51f0). The Kiri (paulonia, \u6850) pattern is generally composed of three standing straight inflorescences and three leaves. The number of flowers that are blooming at each inflorescence means the ranks of this design. It is also famous that one of the most popular Samurais in Japan: Toyotomi Hideyoshi used the Kiri pattern for his family crest. According to a theory, Hideyoshi used Omodaka (\u6ca2\u7009, arrowhead) pattern as his family crest. However, Oda Nobunaga, a well-known military commander in the Warring States period, permitted Hideyoshi to use Kiri design. This plant pattern was once used by the imperial family and national leaders of the time. Today, this plant pattern is used as the crest of the Japanese Government. According to a tradition, Houou (\u9cf3\u51f0, Fenghuang, a kind of sacred beast) rests its wings at the paulownia tree; therefore, it has come to be regarded as a holy plant.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Houou (Fenghuang) is a member of four fantasy animals, which is called \u201cShirei (\u56db\u970a)\u201d with Kirin (\u9e92\u9e9f, Qilin), Kame (\u4e80, Turtle), and Ryu (\u9f8d, Dragon), and it is a god beast looks like a combination of chicken and peacock. Houou was considered an auspicious sign in ancient China, and it was believed that Houou would show up when the brilliant emperor appeared. People appreciate its graceful shape in Japan.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Kozuka and Kougai<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aKozuka is a small knife stored in Kozuka Hitsu (groove of the sheath of the Japanese sword). Kougai is the equipment for Samurai to arrange or fix his hair style.<\/strong><\/b><\/p>\n

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

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Authentication Paper<\/strong>\uff1aNBTHK TOKUBETSU Hozon Certificate for the blade (No. 3002552)<\/strong><\/p>\n

NBTHK<\/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 March 6th in the 25th year of Heisei (2013). 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<\/a>\u00a0for your record if you request.<\/p>\n

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Registration Number<\/span><\/strong>: Okayama 6167<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The Board of Education in Okayama 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.
\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