{"id":74452,"date":"2025-08-30T16:34:38","date_gmt":"2025-08-30T07:34:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/?post_type=product&p=74452"},"modified":"2025-12-11T21:37:21","modified_gmt":"2025-12-11T12:37:21","slug":"antique-japanese-sword-tachi-attributed-to-ko-naminohira-nbthk-tokubetsu-hozon-certificate-2","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/product\/antique-japanese-sword-tachi-attributed-to-ko-naminohira-nbthk-tokubetsu-hozon-certificate-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Antique Japanese Sword Tachi Attributed to Ko Naminohira
NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon<\/strong> <\/span>Certificate"},"content":{"rendered":"

Antique Japanese Sword Tachi Attributed to Ko Naminohira with Tokubetsu Hozon<\/span> Certificate\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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

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

\u00a0 This blade is attributed to Ko Naminohira (\u53e4\u6ce2\u5e73). Naminohira (\u6ce2\u5e73) was one of the most influential schools in the Satsuma domain, founded by a YAMATO-DEN swordsmith, Masakuni (\u6b63\u570b), during the late-Heian period (Late 12th century). They were known for having their smith name with one of these letters, \u884c (Yuki) or \u5b89 (Yasu). The Naminohira swords were cherished among Samurais in the marine army, mainly because the name Naminohira (\u6ce2\u5e73) means \u201cTides are quiet\u201d in Japanese. Blades forged by members of the Naminohira school have strong characteristics of YAMATO-DEN (\u5927\u548c\u4f1d), one of the five Japanese sword-forging traditions.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The origin of the name Naminohira dates back to the school\u2019s foundation. It is said that the founder, Masakuni, was able to calm the waves by dedicating his sword to the sea when his school from Yamato sailed to live in the Satsuma domain. Since then, he began to use the title \u201cNaminohira Yukiyasu (\u6ce2\u5e73\u884c\u5b89)\u201d \u2013 \u201cTides are quiet, \u2019tis an easy way.\u201d From the late Heian period until the end of Samurai times (Late 19th century), the Naminohira school maintained mastership for a thousand years. Ko Naminohira refers to works from the late Kamakura to the early Nanbokucho period (Early 14th century) of the Naminohira school. The swords forged in the YAMATO-DEN tradition are famous for their beautiful Jigane, steel surface, and straight tempering line (Suguha).<\/span><\/p>\n

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Tachi Sword<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Based on the characteristic of the blade, NBTHK authenticated it a Tachi blade. Tachi was mainly used by an armored Samurai with one hand on horseback from the Heian period (794-1185 A.D.) until the early Muromachi period. TACHI was suspended loosely on the left waist with its edge facing the ground so that one could draw it faster to cut down soldiers on the ground.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0 It is appraised as a Tokubetsu Hozon Token<\/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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*Please keep in mind that there are a couple of Kitae Kizu on this blade. If you like to know the detailed condition, please feel free to contact us.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

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\u3010 Blade\u3011<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Cutting Edge Length(Nagasa)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a 65.2 cm( 25.6 inches)<\/strong>
\nCurvature(Sori)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a 1.9 cm( 0.74 inches)<\/strong><\/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><\/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

\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<\/strong>\uff1a<\/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

\u00a0The fittings of this sword consistently feature the same elegant motif: the combination of the Houou (\u9cf3\u51f0, Fenghuang or \u201cChinese Phoenix\u201d) and the Kiri (\u6850, paulownia tree), a design known as Kiri Houou Zu (\u6850\u9cf3\u51f0\u56f3).<\/span>
The paulownia motif usually depicts three upright clusters of flowers accompanied by three leaves. Within Japanese heraldry, the number of blossoms on each cluster determines the rank of the crest. One of the most famous variations is the \u201cGosan-no-Kiri\u201d (\u4e94\u4e09\u306e\u6850, \u201cFive\u2013Three Paulownia\u201d), which has long been associated with authority and is still used today as the emblem of the Japanese government.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0In East Asian tradition, the paulownia tree is regarded as sacred because, according to legend, the mythical bird Houou will only alight and spread its wings upon this tree. The Houou itself is one of the \u201cShirei\u201d (\u56db\u970a, Four Divine Creatures), alongside the Kirin (\u9e92\u9e9f, Qilin), Kame (\u4e80, Tortoise), and Ryu (\u9f8d, Dragon). It is described as a divine beast with features resembling both a chicken and a peacock. In ancient China, the Houou symbolized auspiciousness and was believed to appear only during the reign of a wise and virtuous emperor. Its arrival was seen as a sign of heavenly blessing and political harmony.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0When this motif was introduced into Japanese art and sword fittings, it not only carried over these connotations of good fortune and prosperity but also became admired for its graceful and majestic appearance. Together, the paulownia tree and the Houou bird represent harmony between nature and the divine, auspicious omens, and the wish for peace, longevity, and prosperity. Sword fittings decorated with this design were therefore not only ornamental but also conveyed the owner\u2019s hope for guidance, protection, and success.<\/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

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

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

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

This item is an antique Kougai (\u7b04), which was used to arrange or fix the hairstyle of Samurai. The Kougai is usually stored in the Kougai Hitsu. The Kozuka (\u5c0f\u67c4) is often stored at the other side of the scabbard.<\/p>\n

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Saya<\/strong><\/span>\uff1a Saya is the scabbard for the Japanese sword.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0This scabbard is decorated with the Rind\u014d crest (\u7adc\u80c6\u7d0b, Gentian crest). The gentian is a perennial plant that blooms with deep blue-violet flowers in autumn and has long been used in Japan as a medicinal herb. In particular, its root has been employed as a stomach medicine, and due to its intense bitterness, it is sometimes called the \u201cKing of Bitter Stomach Remedies.\u201d Because of this medicinal effect, the gentian came to symbolize health, longevity, and recovery from illness.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The flower itself opens in a star-like shape, delicate yet elegant, and the gentian crest was widely adopted by both samurai families and aristocrats. From the Muromachi period onward, it became a popular family emblem among warriors, carrying meanings of martial valor, loyalty, and prayers for the prosperity of the household.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Authentication Paper<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aNBTHK TOKUBETSU Hozon Certificate for the blade (No. 1021290)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\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 August 25th in the 5th year of Reiwa (2025). 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<\/strong>: Fukuoka 37155<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The Board of Education in Fukuoka prefecture 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 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