{"id":70351,"date":"2025-06-22T11:53:28","date_gmt":"2025-06-22T02:53:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/?post_type=product&p=70351"},"modified":"2025-07-12T18:12:18","modified_gmt":"2025-07-12T09:12:18","slug":"antique-japanese-sword-katana-attributed-to-kanekagenbthk-tokubetsu-kichou-certificate","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/product\/antique-japanese-sword-katana-attributed-to-kanekagenbthk-tokubetsu-kichou-certificate\/","title":{"rendered":"Antique Japanese Sword Katana Attributed to Kanekage
NBTHK Tokubetsu Kichou Certificate"},"content":{"rendered":"

Antique Japanese Sword Katana Attributed to Kanekage with Tokubetsu Kichou<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Certificate<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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

\u00a0<\/span>Summary<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0This blade is attributed to Sakushu Kanekage (\u4f5c\u5dde\u517c\u666f). Kanekage was a swordsmith active from the early Muromachi period to the Edo period. This sword was forged during the Shinto era (early-mid Edo period). The maker\u2019s name Mimasaka Jyu Kanekage lasted four generations during Genna-Genbun era (1615-1741: early-mid-Edo period), after Kanekage had relocated to Sakushu (\u4f5c\u5dde, 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, \u201cTen Great Disciples of Masamune\u201d). 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\u2019s 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

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

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\u3010 Blade\u3011<\/span><\/strong>
\nCutting Edge Length(Nagasa)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a69.2 cm (27.2 inches)<\/strong>
\n<\/strong><\/span>Curvature(Sori)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a1.8 cm (0.70 inches)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Hamon<\/strong><\/span>\uff1a
\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

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Kissaki<\/strong>\uff1a<\/span><\/span>Kissaki is the tip\u00a0of the Japanese sword.<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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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

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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

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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

\u00a0This Fuchi-Kashira appears to depict figures wearing Eboshi gathered around what looks like a hibachi (charcoal brazier), seemingly warming themselves. The Eboshi was a traditional headpiece worn by aristocrats and high-ranking samurai during the Heian period, while hibachis were commonly used for heating in courtly and samurai residences. This design seems to portray nobles relaxing and conversing, sparking curiosity about what kind of conversations they might have been having.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Tsuka and Menuki<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aTsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0We believe the theme of this Menuki is Sasa (\u7b39:bamboo glass). Bamboos grow neatly towards the sky, and it is vital so that this motif represents nobility and strength. Besides, the bamboo breaks straight, but its content is hollow; people thought it showed innocence. According to a foreign legend, the Houhou (\u9cf3\u51f0, Fenghuang) eats bamboo fruits; therefore, bamboo has been considered a sacred plant. Also, as it keeps its green color even in cold winter, people thought the bamboo pattern represented eternity and longevity.<\/span><\/p>\n

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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

\u00a0This tsuba is decorated with a family crest known as the Kuyo-mon (\u4e5d\u66dc\u7d0b). The nine circles represent the planets, and this arrangement and design are based on ancient Indian mythology. According to the myth, the ancient Indians worshiped seven planets\u2014Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn\u3000along with two additional planets, Rag\u014d (\u7f85\u777a) and Keito (\u7f85\u777a), as deities. In Buddhist thought, derived from this mythology, the Kuyo-mon is believed to serve as a protector during journeys.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Saya<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aSaya is the scabbard for the Japanese sword.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Authentication Paper<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aNBTHK TOKUBETSU KICHOU Certificate for the blade (No. 147026)<\/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 July 28th in the 43rd year of Showa (1968). They appraised it as Tokubetsu Kichou Touken, an old form of the certificate. 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Registration Number : <\/span>Tokyo 139333<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0The Board of Education in Tokyo issued a registration paper for this sword. It is called Jyu Token Rui Torokusho (\u9283\u5200\u5263\u985e\u767b\u9332\u8a3c). Bunkacho (The Agency for Cultural Affairs) acknowledges a Japanese sword with this paper as a work of art.
\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

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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 700 Japanese swords for the past few years (\uff5e2024) 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, 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