{"id":74426,"date":"2025-09-10T13:14:08","date_gmt":"2025-09-10T04:14:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/?post_type=product&p=74426"},"modified":"2025-10-16T13:07:56","modified_gmt":"2025-10-16T04:07:56","slug":"antique-japanese-sword-katana-signed-by-kaneyasu-nbthk-tokubetsu-hozon-certificate","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/product\/antique-japanese-sword-katana-signed-by-kaneyasu-nbthk-tokubetsu-hozon-certificate\/","title":{"rendered":"Antique Japanese Sword Katana
Signed by Kaneyasu
NBTHK <\/strong><\/span> Tokubetsu Hozon<\/strong><\/span> Certificate"},"content":{"rendered":"

Antique Japanese Sword Katana Signed by Kaneyasu with NBTHK<\/strong><\/span> Tokubetsu Hozon<\/strong><\/span> Certificate<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u00a0This Katana is forged by the 2nd generation Mutsu no Kami Kaneyasu (\u4e8c\u4ee3 \u9678\u5965\u5b88\u5305\u4fdd, Nidai Mutsu no Kami Kaneyasu).<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0He was originally from Yamato province (\u5927\u548c\u56fd, Yamato no Kuni) and is said to have descended from the Tegai school (\u624b\u63bb\u6d3e, Tegai-ha). Later, he moved to Osaka in Settsu province (\u6442\u6d25\u56fd\u5927\u5742, Settsu no Kuni \u014csaka), where he became one of the representative smiths of the Osaka Shint\u014d tradition (\u5927\u962a\u65b0\u5200, \u014csaka Shint\u014d), alongside masters such as Kawachi no Kami Kunisuke (\u6cb3\u5185\u5b88\u56fd\u52a9, Kawachi no Kami Kunisuke) and Ichigetsushi Tadatsuna (\u4e00\u7aff\u5b50\u5fe0\u7db1, Ichigetsushi Tadatsuna).<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Kaneyasu is famously called \u201cLeft Mutsu\u201d (\u5de6\u9678\u5965, Hidari Mutsu) because he inscribed his signature (\u9298, Mei) in mirror-reversed characters, a style derived from his left-handedness. Not only his signature but even the file marks (yasurime, \u9462\u76ee, Yasurime) were carved in reverse. His dated works range from Kan\u2019ei 6 (\u5bdb\u6c38\u516d\u5e74, Kan\u2019ei 6, 1629) to Sh\u014d\u014d 2 (\u627f\u5fdc\u4e8c\u5e74, Sh\u014d\u014d 2, 1653).<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0His son, the 3rd generation Kaneyasu (\u4e09\u4ee3 \u5305\u4fdd, Sandai Kaneyasu), inscribed his name in the normal way, for which he is called \u201cRight Mutsu\u201d (\u53f3\u9678\u5965, Migi Mutsu). Together, father and son were highly regarded smiths of the Osaka Shint\u014d school, with the 2nd generation considered an upper-class smith (\u4e0a\u4f5c\u5200\u5de5, Jo-saku Toko) for his refined workmanship.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0Osaka Shinto<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The blades forged by Kaneyasu are categorized as Osaka Shinto. Shinto is Japanese Sword terminology that refers to the swords forged during 1596-1781. The blades made in the Osaka area during this period are called Osaka Shinto. There are many famous swordsmiths in this Osaka Shinto era. After Hideyoshi Toyotomi built Osaka castle, Osaka city flourished as a castle town and became the business center. Many swordsmiths moved to Osaka to look for better opportunities. They not only forged swords for those Samurai who lived in Osaka but also for feudal lords nationwide.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0One of the most notable characteristics of Osaka Shinto is its beauty in Jigane. Jigane is a visible steel surface pattern created by folding and hammering during the forging process), which made it possible by the location of Osaka. Osaka had close access to the Tamahagane(special carbon steel to make Japanese swords) production sites. The swordsmiths residing in Osaka were able to get high-quality carbon steel from these sites.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0It is appraised as a\u00a0Tokubetsu Hozon Token\u00a0<\/strong>(\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<\/strong><\/span>
\nCutting Edge Length(Nagasa)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a71.5 cm( 28.1 inches)<\/strong><\/span>
\nCurvature(Sori)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a 1.9 c<\/span>m(0.74 inches)<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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Nakago<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aNakago is the hilt 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<\/span><\/strong>\uff1aKoshirae 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

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Fuchi-Kashira<\/span><\/strong>\uff1aA pair of matching sword fittings that cover the upper and bottom parts of its sword hilt.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0The theme of this Fuchi-Kashira is Karajishi (\u5510\u7345\u5b50, lion) and waves. The Shishi (\u7345\u5b50) means a lion in Japanese, and the Karajishi is a lion brought from the continent to Japan in the Toh period (\u5510, Tang dynasty, 618-907). The Karajishi typically has curly hair for its head, neck, body, and tail, as seen on this work. In Buddhism, the Karajishi is regarded as a symbol of wisdom, and Monju Bosatu (\u6587\u6b8a\u83e9\u85a9, Manjushri Bodhisattva) rides lions. According to a theory, the Karajishi is the origin of Komainu (\u72db\u72ac, stone guardian dogs that exorcize evil spirits). It shows this animal motif has been familiar to Japanese people since ancient times.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0As waves\u2019 movements continue endlessly, the wave pattern represents eternity, immortality, longevity, birth, etcetera. Also, since tides repeatedly change the shape and terrain of rocks, some people hoped for a strong will by using this motif. People used this pattern wishing for an indomitable spirit to rechallenge time and time without giving up. Thanks to its dynamic design, this motif has been appreciated, especially for men\u2019s Kimono (traditional Japanese costume).<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0There is a geometric design of wave pattern; the Seigaiha Monyou (\u9752\u6d77\u6ce2\u6587\u69d8). According to a theory, this design symbolizes the benefits of the vast sea. This infinite wave pattern is an auspicious pattern. People used it, wishing eternal happiness and peaceful lives for the future.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u00a0The design of the menuki features karajishi (Chinese lions), the same motif as on the fuchi-kashira, creating a sense of unity throughout the mounting.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Tsuba and Habaki<\/span><\/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

\u00a0This tsuba features an openwork design depicting what appears to be chrysanthemum leaves. In Japanese culture, the chrysanthemum is a symbol of nobility, longevity, and prosperity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Saya<\/span><\/strong>\uff1aSaya 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 iron, 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 Nurushi (\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. 1021726)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

NBTHK<\/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 December 15th in the 5th year of Reiwa (2023). 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 would love to attach a PDF file<\/a><\/span><\/span> with English subtitles if requested.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Registration Number : <\/span>Okayama<\/span><\/strong><\/span> 53871<\/strong><\/span>
\n\u00a0The Board of Education in Okayama prefecture issued a registration paper for this sword . In order to obtain this paper, the sword needs to be traditionally hand forged. With this paper, its owner can legally own an authentic Japanese sword in Japan.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u3010About us\u3011<\/strong>
\nSamurai 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.<\/p>\n

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\u3010Japanese Sword& Export Process<\/strong>\u3011
\nThe Japanese swords we deal with are hand-forged edged swords made in Japan. It was made from the traditional carbon steel called\u00a0TAMAHAGANE(\u7389\u92fc)<\/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.<\/p>\n

Each 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.<\/p>\n

To 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\u00a02-4 weeks<\/strong>\u00a0to receive this permit after submitting required documents. And we would like you to expect at least\u00a01-1.5 months<\/strong>\u00a0for your order to arrive at your given address after you ordered. For more detailed info, please\u00a0click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

It is allowed 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\u00a0Stripe\u00a0<\/strong>(Credit card),\u00a0PayPal<\/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. After confirming your payment, we will apply for an export permit. You may either pay in\u00a0JPY, USD, AUD, CAD,EUR CHF\u00a0<\/strong>or\u00a0GBP<\/strong>. The price is set in Japanese Yen. Prices in other currencies are automatically calculated based on the latest exchange rate.<\/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>
\nWe have shipped authentic Japanese swords to the\u00a0USA, Canada, Mexico, Germany , Belgium, France, Finland,\u00a0UK<\/a>,Hong Kong,\u00a0Australia<\/a><\/strong>. If you don\u2019t live in these countries and like to order, please contact us first before making a purchase. We offer\u00a0Free International Shipping<\/strong>\u00a0as long as we can send antique Japanese swords by EMS.<\/p>\n

We normally ship by\u00a0EMS<\/strong>(Express Mail Service) provided by Japan Post.\u00a0We 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.<\/p>\n

It 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.<\/p>\n

* If you live in Australia and like to purchase an authentic Japanese sword, please click\u00a0here\u00a0<\/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\u00a0here\u00a0<\/a>to know the detail.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u3010Review\u3011<\/strong>
\nHere is one of the reviews we received from a customer who purchased an authentic Japanese sword from us.\u00a0For more reviews, please click here.<\/strong><\/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<\/p>\n

\u3010How to make sure the condition\u3011<\/strong>
\nPlease 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.\u00a0It 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.<\/p>\n

\u3010How To Contact Us\u3011<\/strong>
\nPlease 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 website. 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
\nSamurai\u2019s history is a profound, eloquent legacy of ancient Japanese warriors in which millions of people worldwide are being fascinated. If you like to find out the art of Nihonto,\u00a0please click here.<\/a><\/p>\n

\u3010A Guide to Japanese Sword Maintenance<\/strong>\u3011
\nAfter 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.<\/p>\n