{"id":73730,"date":"2025-09-10T12:55:16","date_gmt":"2025-09-10T03:55:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/?post_type=product&p=73730"},"modified":"2025-12-11T21:36:56","modified_gmt":"2025-12-11T12:36:56","slug":"antique-japanese-sword-katana-signed-by-tadahiro-nbthk-tokubetsu-hozon-certificate-3","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/product\/antique-japanese-sword-katana-signed-by-tadahiro-nbthk-tokubetsu-hozon-certificate-3\/","title":{"rendered":"Antique Japanese Sword Katana Signed by 5th-gen Tadahiro
NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon<\/strong> <\/span>Certificate"},"content":{"rendered":"

Antique Japanese Sword Katana Signed by 5th-gen Tadahiro with <\/span>Tokubetsu Hozon<\/span> <\/span>Certificate<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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

\u00a0This blade was signed by Hizen Koku Tadahiro (\u80a5\u524d\u56fd\u5fe0\u5e83), who was born in 1696 (the 9th year of the Genroku era) and died in 1775 (the 4th year of the An\u2019ei era). He was the legitimate son of the 4th-generation Tadayoshi and was commonly called Shinzaemon. At first, he used the name Tadahiro, and after the death of his father, he succeeded to the name Tadayoshi, becoming the 5th head of the Tadayoshi school.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0In 1750 (the 2nd year of the Kan\u2019en era), he was awarded the honorary title of \u014cmi no Kami (\u8fd1\u6c5f\u5b88). This was an official court rank granted by the Tokugawa Shogunate to distinguished swordsmiths. Receiving such a title meant that his skills and reputation were formally recognized by the government and the samurai class, marking him as one of the most highly esteemed swordsmiths of his time.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Like his predecessors, the 5th Tadayoshi continued the traditions of the Hizen school, forging blades of elegant Jigane patterns and excellent cutting ability, collectively known as Hizen T\u014d. These swords were produced under the patronage of the Nabeshima clan and remain highly valued among collectors today.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The first-gen Tadayoshi (The founder of the school )<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0The first-gen Tadayoshi was born and raised in the Saga domain. In 1596, under the domain\u2019s order, he went to Kyoto to learn the sword-forging technique from Umetada Myojyu(\u57cb\u5fe0\u660e\u5bff), one of the greatest swordsmiths in the early Edo period. He improved his craftsmanship and returned to the Saga domain two years later (1598). The first head of the Nabeshima clan, Nabeshima Katsushige, appreciated the work of the first-gen Tadayoshi very much. Then, Katsushige appointed him as his Okakaekaji, a swordsmith who exclusively forged swords for a specific domain or clan. And Tadayoshi started to stay near Saga castle, which is the headquarter of the Nabeshima clan. And, he founded Hizen Tadayoshi school, which trained more than 100 swordsmiths during the Edo period. Tadahiro is one of them.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0This blade is appraised as a Tokubetsu Hozon<\/strong> Token (\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

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\u3010Blade\u3011<\/span><\/strong>
\nCutting Edge Length(Nagasa)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a 73.9 cm(29.0 inches)<\/span><\/strong>
\nCurvature(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>: <\/span>Kissaki is the tip\u00a0of the Japanese sword.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Nakago<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aNakago is the tang of the Japanese sword. <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Japanese 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.<\/p>\n

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Koshirae<\/strong><\/span><\/strong>:\u00a0Koshirae is the mounting of the Japanese sword. There are several parts that consist of Koshirae such as Saya (Scabbard), Tsuka (Handle), Tsuba (Handguard).<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0The sword fittings of this piece (menuki, fuchi-kashira, and k\u014dgai) consistently feature the dragon motif.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Originally, the dragon is an imaginary creature that appears in ancient Chinese legends and mythology, regarded as a symbolic beast of auspicious signs. Its body was said to be composed of elements from nine animals: antlers of a deer, the head of a camel, eyes of a demon, the neck of a snake, the belly of a mizuchi<\/em> (a mythical Japanese creature resembling a horned, four-legged serpent), scales of a fish, claws of a falcon, palms of a tiger, and ears of a cow. Owing to this extraordinary appearance, the dragon was believed to reign supreme over all other creatures.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0In ancient China, dragon patterns were used exclusively for the emperor\u2019s clothing, with strict rules regulating their form and even the number of claws. In contrast, Japan did not impose such rigid class distinctions on dragon motifs. Nevertheless, the design has long retained its meaning as a universal auspicious pattern.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0In Japan, dragons have also been venerated as water deities in what is known as Ry\u016bjin Shink\u014d (Dragon God worship). Since rice cultivation flourished in Japan, water has always been an indispensable resource. For this reason, the dragon motif has been familiar to the Japanese people since ancient times, symbolizing protection, prosperity, and the blessings of water.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Fuchi-Kashira<\/strong><\/span><\/strong>:\u00a0A pair of matching sword fittings that cover the upper and bottom parts of its sword hilt.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Tsuka and Menuki<\/strong><\/span><\/strong>:\u00a0Tsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration.<\/b><\/p>\n

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\nTsuba and Habaki<\/strong><\/span><\/strong>:\u00a0Tsuba 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

\u00a0This tsuba appears to feature an openwork design of lightning bolts (\u7a32\u59bb, inazuma) across the iron plate. The zigzag pattern is presumed to represent the raimon<\/em> (\u96f7\u7d0b, thunder motif), symbolizing the power and energy of lightning. In Japanese tradition, lightning has often been regarded as a manifestation of divine force and a protective symbol warding off evil. Samurai appreciated such motifs as they embodied strength and reverence toward the forces of nature.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0In addition, the accompanying sword fittings are decorated with dragons, a motif that holds a deep connection with lightning in Japanese and East Asian iconography. Dragons were traditionally believed to summon storm clouds and often appear together with thunder and lightning. By combining these two motifs, the design emphasizes the overwhelming force of nature and its divine mystery, making the sword fittings a powerful emblem of protection and authority.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

\u00a0This scabbard is covered with black lacquer. Due to its high waterproof effect, lacquer has been used since ancient times in Asia. The blade of a Japanese sword is made of carbon steel, and moisture is the greatest enemy of iron. For the purpose of carrying the blade without degrading it, people devised a method of coating the scabbard with lacquer. To prevent not only moisture but also rain and snow from penetrating the inside of the scabbard, it was necessary to apply multiple layers of lacquer. The Nushi (\u5857\u5e2b, lacquerers) was born precisely because advanced techniques were required to handle the complicated processes.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Authentication Paper<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aNBTHK TOKUBETSU Hozon Certificate for the blade (No. 1018001)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\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 June 3rd in the 4th year of Reiwa (2022). 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 : Kyoto 8270<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The Board of Education in Kyoto 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.
\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.
\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