{"id":74558,"date":"2025-09-03T12:01:03","date_gmt":"2025-09-03T03:01:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/?post_type=product&p=74558"},"modified":"2025-12-11T22:24:45","modified_gmt":"2025-12-11T13:24:45","slug":"antique-japanese-sword-wakizashi-signed-by-tadamitsu%ef%bc%86munemitsunbthk-hozon-certificate","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/product\/antique-japanese-sword-wakizashi-signed-by-tadamitsu%ef%bc%86munemitsunbthk-hozon-certificate\/","title":{"rendered":"Antique Japanese Sword Wakizashi Signed by Tadamitsu\uff06Munemitsu
NBTHK Hozon <\/span>Certificate"},"content":{"rendered":"

Antique Japanese Sword Wakizashi Signed by Tadamitsu\uff06Munemitsu with NBTHK Hozon<\/span> Certificate<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u00a0This blade was signed by Tadamitsu(\u5fe0\u5149) and Munemitsu(\u5b97\u5149) in Febuary, the 4th year of the Meio era (1495: Muromachi Period). When two swordsmiths collaborated to create one work, it is called Gassaku (\u5408\u4f5c). It was generally done by a master and his apprentice or his son.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The maker\u2019s name Tadamitsu was used for about 120 years from 1469- 1591 (Late Muromachi- Azuchi Momoyama period), and there were a few generations. Based on the year this blade was forged and the active period of other generations, it was signed by the second-gen Tadamitsu, who was active during Meio-Eisho era (1492-1521). The second-gen Tadamitsu was also known as Hikoheibei Tadamitsu.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The co-signer Munemitsu (\u5b97\u5149) was also a swordsmith of the Osafune school in Bizen province. He was active around the same period as the second-generation Tadamitsu, and blades with their joint signatures (gassaku-mei) are highly valued as evidence of close collaboration within the Osafune tradition.<\/span><\/p>\n

Swordsmiths of Bizen province (modern Okayama) at the end of the Muromachi period (1492\u20131569) are collectively called Matsu-Bizen (\u201cMatsu\u201d meaning \u201cthe latter\u201d or \u201cend\u201d). The Tadamitsu school was one of the most prominent Osafune lineages, flourishing across generations.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Bizen swordsmiths produced a large number of blades during the Muromachi period, as this era coincided with the Sengoku (\u201cWarring States\u201d) period, when demand for weapons by feudal lords increased dramatically. Owning a piece forged in this turbulent time, when rival warlords constantly fought for supremacy, is of great historical value. It is even possible that this blade was commissioned by a Samurai and actually carried into battle.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Those who forged swords in the Bizen province(Okayama prefecture) at the end of the Muromachi Period(1492-1569 A.D) are called Matsu Bizen(Matsu means the end). Tadamitsu school was one of the most famous schools, and it flourished for generations among Osafune schools.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The swordsmiths in Bizen produced many swords during the Muromachi period, as it was in the middle of the Sengoku period(Warring State period). The demand for weapons increased among strong feudal lords. It would be nice to have a piece forged in the warring state period when there was so much rivalry between warlords. It was possible that this blade was ordered by a Samurai and he might have carried it in a battlefield.<\/span><\/p>\n

The History of Bizen Osafune School<\/strong><\/span>
\n\u00a0It is said that Osafune school was founded by Mitsutada (\u5149\u5fe0), who was active during the mid-Kamakura period. Bizen Osafune school was the biggest one of all other schools in Bizen province, and they received many orders from feudal lords or renowned Samurai. They were called Osafunemono and beloved by Samurai warriors.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Among the swordsmiths who belonged to this school, Nagamitsu, Sanenaga, and Kagemitsu are known as Osafune Sansaku, the three renowned Osafune swordsmiths. There are also four other prominent swordsmiths who were from Bizen Osafune school. They are called Osafune Shiten-no, the four masters of Osafune school. Their names are Nagamitsu, Kanemitsu, Nagayoshi, and Motoshige.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0BIZEN is located near the Chugoku Mountains, where iron sands, one of the essential materials for making Japanese swords, were abundant. Furthermore, BIZEN swordsmiths had close access to Yoshi River, where they could find water and charcoal. This geological location contributed to the swordsmiths forging high-quality refined blades. We presume BIZEN was quite active in sword-forging from ancient times. It is said that BIZEN DEN was created by groups of swordsmiths there during the late Heian era (Late 12th century ). These ancient swordsmiths in Bizen province are called Ko-Bizen (Old Bizen) swordsmiths. By inheriting the sword forging techniques from Ko-Bizen swordsmiths, the Bizen Osafune school flourished from the mid-Kamakura period.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0It is appraised as a\u00a0Hozon Token <\/strong>(\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>\uff1a57.9 cm (22.7 inches)<\/strong><\/span>
\nCurvature (Sori)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a1.8 cm (0.70 inches) <\/strong>\u00a0<\/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><\/span>
\nJimon(Jihada)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a
\nvisible steel surface pattern created by folding and hammering during forging process<\/strong><\/span><\/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><\/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>\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

The theme of this Fuchi Kashira is a Kiku-chirashi (\u83ca\u6563\u3089\u3057, scattered chrysanthemum) motif, with chrysanthemum blossoms artistically dispersed across the surface. In Japan, chrysanthemums have long been cherished as symbols of longevity, nobility, and rejuvenation, often associated with the imperial family and autumn aesthetics. Their elegant form and auspicious meaning made them a popular decorative motif in sword fittings and other works of art.<\/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 motif of this Menuki is the Karajishi (\u5510\u7345\u5b50).\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The 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>
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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

\u00a0The theme of this tsuba design is Ebisu, one of the Seven Gods of Good Fortune (\u4e03\u798f\u795e, Shichifukujin). Ebisu is often depicted together with Daikokuten (\u5927\u9ed2\u5929), and he is revered as the deity of prosperity, fishing, and commerce. In this piece, Ebisu is shown holding a basket filled with fish, symbolizing abundance and good fortune.<\/span>
\u00a0On the surface of the tsuba, you can also see sacred Shimenawa ropes with folded Shide paper(\u7d19\u5782, Shide) streamers and ears of rice attached, which are traditional Shinto decorations used during festivals and rituals to invite blessings and ward off evil.<\/span><\/p>\n

*As part of the silver foil on this habaki has peeled off, please confirm the detail in the below photos.<\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

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Saya<\/span><\/strong>\uff1aSaya is the scabbard for the Japanese sword.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0This saya (scabbard) features a decorative lacquer technique known as Fuemaki-nuri (\u7b1b\u5dfb\u5857). The name literally means \u201cflute-wrap lacquer\u201d and refers to a method in which thin cords or strings are wrapped around the scabbard before being coated with multiple layers of lacquer. Once dried and polished, the surface reveals a textured, ridged pattern reminiscent of the wrapping on a traditional Japanese flute (fue, \u7b1b).<\/span><\/p>\n

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Authentication Paper<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aNBTHK Hozon Certificate for the blade (No. 370566)<\/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 Feb 25th in the 3th year of Reiwa (2021). They appraised it as 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\uff1a<\/span><\/span>Hiroshima 4599<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The Board of Education in Hiroshima prefecture issued a registration paper for this sword. It is called Jyu Ho Token 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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\u3010Review\u3011<\/strong>
\n\u00a0Here is one of the reviews we received from a customer who purchased an authentic Japanese sword from us.<\/span> 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

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

\u3010Shipping\u3011<\/strong><\/span>
\n\u00a0We have shipped authentic Japanese swords to the USA, Canada, Mexico, Germany, France, Hong Kong and<\/span> 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. 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<\/span> here<\/span><\/span> <\/a>to know the detail.<\/span><\/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. 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><\/span>
\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 website. Please click one of them to reach us. We will reply to you within 1-2 business days.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u3010The Art of Nihonto(Japanese Sword)<\/strong>\u3011<\/span>
\n\u00a0Samurai’s 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,<\/span> 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