{"id":73974,"date":"2025-08-26T16:20:08","date_gmt":"2025-08-26T07:20:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/?post_type=product&p=73974"},"modified":"2026-03-26T10:08:00","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T01:08:00","slug":"antique-japanese-sword-katana-signed-by-kongo-hyoei-morishige-nthk-kanteisho-certificate","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/product\/antique-japanese-sword-katana-signed-by-kongo-hyoei-morishige-nthk-kanteisho-certificate\/","title":{"rendered":"Antique Japanese Sword Katana Signed by Kongo Hyoei Morishige
NTHK Kanteisho Certificate"},"content":{"rendered":"

Antique Japanese Sword Katana Signed by Kongo Hyoei Morishige with NTHK Kanteisho Certificate<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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

\u00a0This blade was signed by Minamoto Morishige (\u6e90\u76db\u91cd). He belonged to Kongo Hyoue (\u91d1\u525b\u5175\u885b) school and was active during the late Muromachi period (1558-1570) in Chikuzen province(Today\u2019s Fukuoka prefecture).<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Kongo Hyoue (\u91d1\u525b\u5175\u885b) was a prestigious school founded by Kongo Hyoue Morikuni during the late Kamakura period. There were quite a few renowned swordsmiths who were from this school. They resided in Urayama, where Kamado shrine, also known as Kongo Houman, was located. All the swordsmiths who belonged to Kongo Hyoue school used Mori (\u76db) as their maker\u2019s name, such as Moritshige. The Nakago (tang) they created has a distinctive shape called Sotoba (\u5352\u5854\u5a46)while this blade doesn\u2019t have this characteristic due to Suriage (shorting the blade). <\/span>Kongo Hyoue has a strong relationship with Buddhism, as well.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0During the late Muromachi period, which corresponds to the Sengoku period (\u6226\u56fd\u6642\u4ee3, the Warring States period), Japan was marked by constant military conflict and political instability. Samurai played a crucial role in these tumultuous times, and their need for high-quality weapons, especially swords, became more pronounced. We believe Morishige dedicated his career to producing refined swords like this one.<\/span><\/p>\n

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*Please keep in mind that there are a couple of\u00a0 Kitae Kizu on this blade. If you would like to see the detailed condition, please feel free to contact us.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

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Cutting Edge Length (Nagasa)\uff1a70.0 cm (27.5 inches)<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n

Curvature (Sori)\uff1a1.7 cm (0.67 inches)<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Hamon\uff1a<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\nthe crystalline structure which forms along the cutting edge of a blade as a result of the hardening process<\/strong><\/span>
\nJimon(Jihada)\uff1a<\/span><\/span><\/strong>
\nvisible steel surface pattern created by folding and hammering during forging process<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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

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Nakago\uff1a<\/span><\/strong><\/span>Nakago 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 be decorated with a motif of chestnut leaves and nuts, expressed in fine metal inlay. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0In Japanese culture, the chestnut symbolizes autumn harvest, prosperity, and the flourishing of descendants, making it a popular auspicious design. The detailed rendering of the leaves and fruits conveys both natural beauty and a wish for abundance and family prosperity.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Tsuka and Menuki<\/strong><\/span>\uff1a<\/strong>Tsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The\u00a0kozuka features a delicate gold inlay of a bell cricket (\u9234\u866b, suzumushi) alongside autumn plants.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0In Japanese culture, the bell cricket has long been cherished as a symbol of autumn. Its clear, gentle chirping is appreciated not as mere sound, but as something poetic and emotionally evocative\u2014capturing the transient beauty of the changing seasons.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Unlike in many Western cultures, where insect sounds are often considered noise, in Japan they are regarded as voices\u2014a natural form of music that reflects refined sensitivity to seasonal change. This aesthetic appreciation is deeply rooted in Japanese values.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Bell crickets frequently appear in traditional arts such as waka, haiku, and the tea ceremony, serving as emblems of elegance, introspection, and serene contemplation.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Tsuba and Habaki\uff1a<\/span><\/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 design of this tsuba is believed to depict a hawk and pine motif. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Hawks, often used in falconry, were important companions for samurai, and by the Muromachi period (14th\u201316th century), even portraits of hawks were painted. Because of their proud and capable nature, hawks were frequently represented as symbols of the samurai themselves. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The pine tree, a symbol of strength and longevity, enhances this association of dignity and resilience.<\/span>
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Saya<\/strong><\/span>\uff1a Saya is the scabbard for the Japanese sword.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/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)(\u5857\u5e2b, lacquerers) was born precisely because advanced techniques were required to handle the complicated processes.\u00a0<\/span>
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Authentication Paper<\/strong>\uff1a<\/span><\/strong><\/span>NTHK Kanteisho Certificate for the blade (No.13239)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0NTHK<\/span><\/a>, also known as NPO Nihon Touken Hozon Kai, is the oldest organization for sword authentication of Japanese swords in modern times. It was established in 1910 during the post-Samurai era. They authenticated the blade on June 15th in the 7th year of Reiwa (2025). The purchaser will receive this original certificate as well. We can also translate what is written into English and make a PDF file<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span> for your record if you request.<\/p>\n

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Registration Number<\/span><\/strong>: <\/span>Osaka 25834<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The Board of Education in Osaka prefecture issued a registration paper for this sword. It is called Jyu Hou Touken 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.
\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 1300 Japanese swords for the past few years (\uff5e2026) 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>
\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’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<\/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><\/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, France, Hong Kong and Australia<\/span><\/a><\/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

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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