{"id":72493,"date":"2025-07-26T15:50:55","date_gmt":"2025-07-26T06:50:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/?post_type=product&p=72493"},"modified":"2025-08-29T12:35:59","modified_gmt":"2025-08-29T03:35:59","slug":"antique-japanese-sword-tanto-signed-by-munetsugu-nbthk-hozon-certificate-for-the-blade-tokubetsu-hozon-certificate-for-the-koshirae","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/product\/antique-japanese-sword-tanto-signed-by-munetsugu-nbthk-hozon-certificate-for-the-blade-tokubetsu-hozon-certificate-for-the-koshirae\/","title":{"rendered":"Antique Japanese Sword Tanto Signed by Munetsugu
NBTHK Hozon <\/span>Certificate for the blade & Tokubetsu Hozon<\/strong> <\/span> Certificate for the Koshirae"},"content":{"rendered":"

Antique Japanese Sword Tanto Signed by Munetsugu with NBTHK Hozon<\/span> \u00a0for the blade and Tokubetsu Hozon<\/span> Certificate\u00a0 for the Koshirae<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

\u00a0This blade was signed by Munetsugu (\u5b97\u6b21) during the SHIN SHIN TO era(1764-1876), according to NBTHK, which appraised it as a Hozon Touken. SHIN SHIN TO era refers to the Japanese blades forged from the early 1760s to the beginning of the Meiji period. There are more than a few swordsmiths who used Munetsugu as their maker\u2019s names during that time and NBTHK could not specify which Munetsugu forged this Tanto.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is Tanto?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Japanese swords under the blade length of 30cm (11.6 inches) are generally called TANTO, and sometimes TSUBA(\u9354; Hand-Guard) is not attached to the TANTO. It was easy to carry and convenient for close combats.\u00a0\u00a0It was initially used as a supplemental weapon for Samurai on horseback, who used a pole weapon or long sword in the Kamaura-Muromachi period. Samurai aimed at an unprotected area of his enemy\u2019s armor with Tanto while having to fight with close distance.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0TANTO was named accordingly, depending on how you carry it, such as HUTOKORO-GATANA (\u61d0\u5200; Stomach-Sword) or KOSHI-GATANA(\u8170\u5200; Waist-Sword) or elsewise. TANTO was also a gift for a bride from her family in a traditional Japanese wedding, as it is believed that TANTO would be divine protection from evil power.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0This blade is appraised as a Hozon Touken <\/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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u3010Blade\u3011<\/span><\/strong>
\nCutting Edge Length (Nagasa)<\/span>: 19.5 cm (7.6 inches)<\/strong><\/span>
\nCurvature (Sori)<\/b>: 0.0 <\/strong>cm (0.0 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

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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

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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

\u00a0The design of the menuki features the Tachi-Omotaka crest (\u7acb\u6ca2\u7009\u7d0b\u56f3\u30fbTachi-Omotaka monzu), a traditional Japanese family emblem that depicts the arrowhead plant (\u6ca2\u7009\u30fbOmotaka) with its distinctive, upright, arrow-shaped leaves. This motif was historically favored by samurai families and symbolized victory (\u52dd\u5229\u30fbSh\u014dri), honor (\u540d\u8a89\u30fbMeiyo), and resilience (\u4e0d\u5c48\u30fbFukutsu).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Tsuba and Habaki<\/strong><\/strong>\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<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Kozuka<\/strong>:\u00a0Kozuka is a small knife stored in Kozuka Hitsu(groove of the sheath of the Japanese sword).<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0The kozuka is adorned with a bamboo motif. Bamboo grows tall and straight toward the sky, symbolizing nobility and strength. Although it may break cleanly, its hollow interior has long been seen as a symbol of purity and humility. According to Chinese legend, the Fenghuang (\u9cf3\u51f0, a mythical phoenix-like bird) feeds on bamboo seeds, making bamboo a sacred plant in East Asian culture. Furthermore, because bamboo remains green even in the cold of winter, it is associated with eternity and longevity. For these reasons, the bamboo motif has been one of the most familiar and beloved designs in Japanese art and aesthetics since ancient times.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Kougai<\/strong><\/strong>\uff1aKougai is the equipment for Samurai to arrange or fix his hair style.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0This item is an antique Kougai (\u7b04), a traditional hairdressing tool used by samurai to arrange or secure their hairstyle.\u00a0The Kougai was typically stored in the Kougai-hitsu, a designated slot in the scabbard, while the Kozuka (\u5c0f\u67c4), a small utility knife, was stored on the opposite side. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The design theme of this Kougai features bamboo, consistent with that of the accompanying Kozuka, reflecting a unified and harmonious aesthetic.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u00a0This saya\u00a0is finished using the traditional Japanese lacquer technique known as kuro-ishime sendan-kizami nuri (\u9ed2\u77f3\u76ee\u5343\u6bb5\u523b\u5857). The ishime-nuri (stone-texture lacquer) creates a black, textured surface that resembles natural stone. This technique not only enhances the visual appeal but also provides a non-slip grip and excellent durability, making it both beautiful and practical.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Authentificat<\/strong><\/span>hentication Paper<\/strong>\uff1aNBTHK Hozon Certificate for the blade (No. 3034916 )<\/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 August 23rd in the 6th year of Reiwa (2024). They appraised it as Hozon Touken, the blade worth preserving for Japanese society. The purchaser will receive these original certificates 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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Authentication Paper:<\/b> <\/span>NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate for the Koshirae (No. 2010476)<\/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 Koshirae on December 19th in the 5th year of Reiwa (2023). They appraised it as Tokubetsu Hozon Tosogu, the\u00a0 sword mounting especially worth preserving for Japanese society.<\/span>\u00a0The 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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\nRegistration Number : Shizuoka 58702<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The Board of Education in Shizuoka prefecture 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 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.
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

\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