{"id":72526,"date":"2025-07-27T12:21:06","date_gmt":"2025-07-27T03:21:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/?post_type=product&p=72526"},"modified":"2025-07-27T21:27:31","modified_gmt":"2025-07-27T12:27:31","slug":"antique-kozuka-for-samurai-sword-with-nbthk-hozon-certificate-k-79","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/product\/antique-kozuka-for-samurai-sword-with-nbthk-hozon-certificate-k-79\/","title":{"rendered":"Antique Kozuka
for Samurai Sword
with NBTHK Hozon<\/span><\/strong> Certificate (K-79)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Title: Futamigaura\u00a0<\/span>Zu<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Description<\/strong><\/span>
\n\u00a0This Kozuka is made from the Shibuichi (\u56db\u5206\u4e00). It is an alloy of copper and silver. It contains about 25% silver (a quarter of copper), which is why this alloy was named Shibuichi (it means quarter in Japanese). It is also called the Oborogin (\u6727\u9280) because it has a beautiful silver-gray color.
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\u00a0The theme of this kozuka is Futamigaura(\u4e8c\u898b\u30f6\u6d66), an actual coastal area located in Futami Town, Ise City, Japan. Futamigaura is renowned for its scenic beauty and spiritual significance, especially the iconic Meoto Iwa<\/em> (\u592b\u5a66\u5ca9, Wedded Rocks)\u2014two sacred stones tied together with a ceremonial rope, symbolizing the bond between husband and wife. Stretching from Imaisshiki to Cape Tateishi, the coastline curves gently with a sandy beach, backed by Mount Otonashi and facing Ise Bay, with views of the Chita and Atsumi peninsulas across the water.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Since ancient times, Futamiura has been regarded as a place of purification (misogi<\/em>), where pilgrims would cleanse themselves before visiting the nearby Ise Grand Shrine, one of the most important Shinto shrines in Japan. In summer, the rising sun can be seen emerging between the two rocks\u2014a breathtaking and mystical scene. On rare, perfectly clear mornings, the sunlight aligns in such a way that Mount Fuji becomes visible beyond the horizon, creating a truly divine and awe-inspiring view.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0This kozuka bears the signature of Goto Mitsutoshi (\u5f8c\u85e4\u5149\u7f8e), a distinguished metalworker born in 1785. He was the fifteenth-generation head of the Goto family, a prestigious lineage of metal craftsmen who served the Ashikaga shogunate from the first generation, Goto Yujo, through to the seventeenth generation, spanning over 400 years.
The Goto school was known for establishing the formal and refined style of kazarikanagu (decorative sword fittings), with its roots in the Mino tradition. The works of the early generations\u2014Yujo (1st), Sojo (2nd), and Joshin (3rd)\u2014are referred to as “Ko-Goto” (Old Goto), and highly valued for their artistry. Mitsutoshi, the son of the fourteenth head Goto Keijo, passed away in 1834 at the age of 55.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0At the bottom of the signature, a ka\u014d (\u82b1\u62bc) is also inscribed\u2014a stylized and often abstract personal seal traditionally used by Japanese artists and samurai to authenticate their works. The ka\u014d functioned both as a mark of identity and as an element of personal expression.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Also, this kozuka also has a notable provenance, having been passed down through the Tsugaru family (\u6d25\u8efd\u5bb6), a prominent samurai clan that once ruled the Hirosaki Domain in northern Japan(Today’s Aomori prefecture). The piece is published in the T\u014ds\u014dgu Y\u016bhin Zufu<\/em> (Illustrated Catalog of Excellent Sword Fittings), further attesting to its historical and artistic significance.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0*As this item is an antique, please check each photo and ensure its condition.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is Kozuka? <\/strong><\/span>
\n\u00a0Kozuka is the small knife stored in Kozuka Hitsu (groove of the sheath of the Japanese sword). Many Tsubas (handguard) have two holes to put Kozuka and Kougai (equipment for appearance) next to Nakagoana (a hole of the Tsuba to put sword), so that Samurai didn’t need to draw his sword out of the scabbard when he wanted to use Kozuka or Kougai. Initially, Samurai used it for cutting wood or attacking enemies in an emergency. It is said that Kozuka was used as a craft knife rather than a weapon.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The decorative designs of Kozuka were more emphasized than its practical use in the Edo period when Samurai society enjoyed one of the most peaceful times. And there were many ornamental Kozuka and Kougai created by Japanese metalworkers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why is it that the sword mounting was important for Samurai?<\/strong><\/span>
\n\u00a0The sword mountings of the Japanese sword have many kinds of decorations such as handguards (Tsuba), sword hilt (Menuki), pommel (Fuchi Kashira). The Japanese sword worked as a weapon and as an object to show who he was. For example, it shows their personalities and beliefs. You could say that it is like decorations for smartphones today. We recommend you zoom in on the pictures of the sword fittings. When you do so, you can see the skill of Japanese metal engraving techniques. They are mainly made of iron and copper with inlays of gold, silver, and bronze. When it comes to handguard (Tsuba), each one has a different outline and weight. These sword fittings that have lived with Japanese swords of the same age might be worth as much as the Japanese swords. They are inconspicuous parts of the Japanese sword. Nevertheless, if you are knowledgeable or particular about it, you will become a connoisseur of the Samurai.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Authentication Paper<\/strong><\/span>: NBTHK Hozon Certificate<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0NBTHK, 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 Kozuka on December 20th in the 6th year of Reiwa (2024). They appraised it as Hozon Tousougu, the Kozuka 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 for your record if you 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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\u3010Payment method\u3011<\/strong><\/span>
\n\u00a0We accept payment through Stripe<\/strong> (Credit card), PayPal<\/strong>, Apple Pay or ChromePay, all of which are secure payment methods. Also, you don\u2019t need to make an account on Stripe for the checkout. If you prefer other payment method, please contact us. You may either pay in JPY<\/strong>, USD<\/strong>, AUD<\/strong>, CAD<\/strong>, EUR<\/strong>, 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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\u3010Antique Japanese Kozuka and Export process\u3011<\/strong>
\nAfter receiving the full payment from you, we will apply for its export permit from the Board of Education to legally export the Kozuka to other countries. It normally takes around 2 to 4 weeks to receive this permit. And we would like you to expect at least 1.0 \u2013 1.5 months for your order to arrive at your given address after you ordered.<\/p>\n

\u3010Shipping duration\u3011<\/strong><\/span>
\n\u00a0We normally ship via EMS (Express Mail Service) provided by Japan Post. It usually takes at least 5-14 days to deliver the package after you place an order. 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

\u00a0We offer Free International Shipping<\/strong><\/span> as long as we can ship your order by EMS. If you prefer other shipping carriers, please contact us.<\/span>
\n\u00a0We will inform you of the order’s tracking number via email. Please make sure you fill out your valid email address correctly.<\/span><\/p>\n

*Please keep in mind that due to the spread of COVID-19, there might be possible delays in delivery. If you like to make sure if EMS shipping is available to your country, please contact us.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0It is essential for us to know that you are happy with your choice of Kozuka and we are prepared to use the best of our ability to serve you.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0Would you like see some more Kozuka for sale? Please check the link below. We hope you can find your favorite Kozuka.<\/span>
\nhttps:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/product-category\/decorations\/koduka\/<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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Delivery Time<\/strong><\/span>: 1-1.5 months<\/span>
\n*Delivery may take longer, depending on countries or holiday seasons.<\/span><\/p>\n

INCLUDED<\/strong>: Wooden box, NBTHK Hozon Certificate<\/span><\/p>\n

Title: Futamigaura <\/strong><\/span>Zu (\u4e8c\u898b\u30f6\u6d66\u56f3)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Signature: \u5f8c\u85e4\u5149\u7f8e (Goto Mitsutoshi)\u3000<\/span>
\nAge: Late Edo period (18th\u201319th centuries)<\/span>
\nMaterial: Shibuichi (\u56db\u5206\u4e00, the mixture of copper and silver)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Size<\/span><\/td>\nThickness<\/span><\/td>\nWeight<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1.4cm\u00d79.7cm<\/td>\n0.4cm<\/td>\n35g<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

You can enlarge all the photos to see the detail of the item.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":72640,"template":"","meta":[],"product_brand":[],"product_cat":[25,56],"product_tag":[184],"class_list":{"0":"post-72526","1":"product","2":"type-product","3":"status-publish","4":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"product_cat-decorations","7":"product_cat-koduka","8":"product_tag-hozon-tosogu","10":"first","11":"instock","12":"shipping-taxable","13":"purchasable","14":"product-type-simple","15":"add-to-wishlist-after_add_to_cart","16":"customify-col","17":"product-has-gallery"},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product\/72526","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/product"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/72640"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=72526"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"product_brand","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_brand?post=72526"},{"taxonomy":"product_cat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_cat?post=72526"},{"taxonomy":"product_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_tag?post=72526"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}