Antique Japanese Sword Katana Signed by Kanekuni with<\/span> NBTHK<\/span><\/strong> JUYO TOKEN<\/strong><\/span><\/span>\u00a0Certificate<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \u3010Description\u3011<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0This sword is signed Wash\u016b Tegai-j\u016b Kanekuni (\u548c\u5dde\u624b\u63bb\u4f4f\u5305\u56fd), a member of a distinguished lineage of swordsmiths that originated in the Kamakura period with Tegai Kanehisa (\u624b\u63bb\u5305\u6c38) and continued unbroken until the Edo period.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The fifth-generation Kanekuni (\u4e94\u4ee3\u76ee\u5305\u56fd, Godaime Kanekuni), active in the early Edo period during the Keich\u014d era (1596\u20131615), was the elder brother of the renowned Nanki Shigekuni (\u5357\u7d00\u91cd\u56fd). This sword bears not only Kanekuni\u2019s signature but also an inscription stating that it was forged in Sunpu (\u99ff\u5e9c), the seat of Tokugawa Ieyasu (\u5fb3\u5ddd\u5bb6\u5eb7) after his retirement. Such inscriptions, reading \u201cWash\u016b Tegai-j\u016b Shigekuni oite Sunpu kore o tsukuru\u201d (\u548c\u5dde\u624b\u63bb\u4f4f\u91cd\u56fd\u65bc\u99ff\u5e9c\u9020\u4e4b), are often referred to as \u201cSunpu-uchi (\u99ff\u5e9c\u6253\u3061)\u201d, or \u201cforged at Sunpu.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Kanekuni, whose personal name is recorded as Monju Kur\u014dsabur\u014d (\u6587\u6b8a\u4e5d\u90ce\u4e09\u90ce), and his younger brother Shigekuni were summoned to Sunpu around Keich\u014d 15 (1610) by Tokugawa Ieyasu. Alongside the celebrated Yasutsugu, they worked as official swordsmiths in Sunpu until about Genna 5 (1619), when they later accompanied Ieyasu\u2019s son, Tokugawa Yorinobu, to Wakayama in Kii Province.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Together, Kanekuni and Shigekuni became known as the \u201cSuruga Monju (\u99ff\u6cb3\u6587\u6b8a)\u201d, highly acclaimed as leading masters of the Keich\u014d Shint\u014d (\u6176\u9577\u65b0\u5200) movement. They inherited the forging traditions of the Tegai school (\u624b\u63bb\u6d3e) of Yamato and are remembered as among the finest swordsmiths of the early Edo period. After the death of Tokugawa Ieyasu, they continued to serve as the official retainers and swordsmiths of Tokugawa Yorinobu, leaving behind numerous masterpieces that secured their reputation as some of the greatest smiths of the Shint\u014d era.<\/span><\/p>\n Yamato Region<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0During the Kamakura to early Muromachi period, five prestigious schools of swordsmithing flourished in Yamato Province. They are collectively known as the Yamato Goha (\u5927\u548c\u4e94\u6d3e, \u201cFive Traditions of Yamato\u201d), consisting of the Senj\u016bin (\u5343\u624b\u9662), Shikkake (\u5c3b\u61f8), Taima (\u5f53\u9ebb), H\u014dsh\u014d (\u4fdd\u660c), and Tegai (\u624b\u63bb) schools. These schools were closely associated with the powerful Buddhist temples in Nara, such as T\u014ddaiji, and produced swords primarily for the warrior monks (s\u014dhei<\/em>) who had gained great political and military influence under the government\u2019s policies of the time.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Because rivalries between temples were frequent and often violent, the monks required large numbers of weapons to defend themselves, and strong, reliable swords were essential. The Yamato schools, including the H\u014dsh\u014d school, rose to prominence by meeting these demands, and in their peak period they also forged blades for samurai warriors.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Swords from the Yamato tradition are especially admired for their refined jigane (steel surface) and their clear, straight suguha tempering line. This blade displays precisely those features, with a beautiful jigane and suguha hamon that exemplify the Yamato style at its finest. Based on the shape of the nakago (tang), it was shortened at some point in history, and its original length is thought to have been considerably longer than it appears today.<\/span><\/p>\n Appraisal<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0This blade is appraised as a JUYO TOKEN <\/strong><\/span><\/span>(\u91cd\u8981\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, exceptionally well preserved and of high quality with artistic value. JUYO is one rank higher than Tokubetsu Hozon. To be eligible for a Juyo Token, it needs to be appraised as a Tokubetsu Hozon Token first. It is extremely rare for an antique Japanese sword to be appraised as JUYO TOKEN, and it is highly desirable among Japanese sword collectors. <\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u3010 Blade\u3011<\/span><\/strong> <\/p>\n Hamon<\/strong><\/span>: <\/p>\n Kissaki<\/strong>: <\/span>Kissaki is the tip\u00a0of the Japanese sword.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Nakago<\/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 Koshirae<\/strong><\/span>:\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 <\/p>\n Fuchi-Kashira<\/strong><\/span><\/strong>\uff1aA pair of matching sword fittings that cover the upper and bottom parts of its sword hilt.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0This Fuchi-Kashira has the Ichimatsu (\u5e02\u677e) pattern. It is a checkerboard-like lattice pattern in which squares of two colors are arranged alternately. It was called the Ishidatami (\u77f3\u7573, stone pavement) from the early modern period onwards due to its pattern imitating stone pavement.<\/span> \u00a0The theme of the Menuki is the dragon (\u9f8d, Ryu).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Initially, the dragon is an imaginary creature found in ancient Chinese traditions or myths. Furthermore, it is regarded as a symbolic beast of auspicious signs. Its body is likened to nine animals: antlers are deer, the head is a camel, eyes are demons, the neck is a snake, belly is Mizuchi (\u86df, mythical animal in Japan which looks like a snake and have a horn and four legs), scales are fish, claws are falcons, palms are tigers, and ears are cows. It was thought that the dragon would reign at the top of all animals because of its odd-looking appearance.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Also, in Japan, there is a belief that worships dragon as a water god and is called Ryujin Shinkou (\u7adc\u795e\u4fe1\u4ef0). Since rice cultivation flourished in this country, water is always an essential resource. Therefore, the dragon motif has been familiar to Japanese people since a long time ago.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Tsuba and Habaki<\/strong><\/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 (sword guard) is made of iron and decorated with refined details. The rim features golden geometric patterns, giving it a bold and powerful impression. The openwork design depicts waves and whirlpools, creating a sense of movement and dynamism that evokes the flow of water.<\/span><\/p>\n Saya<\/strong><\/span><\/strong>\uff1a Saya is the scabbard for the Japanese sword.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0This saya (scabbard) is finished with a striking modern lacquer design. The base color is a vivid glossy red, decorated with diagonal metallic silver and black stripes running along the length of the scabbard. The bold contrast of colors gives the piece a dynamic and contemporary appearance, while still maintaining the elegant form of a traditional Japanese sword mount.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Authentication Paper<\/strong><\/span>: NBTHK JUYO TOKEN Certificate for the blade (No. 4714)<\/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 June 1st in the 49th year of Showa (1974). They appraised it as JUYO TOKEN, the blade exceptionally 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 Registration Number<\/span><\/strong><\/span>: Osaka 3379<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0The Board of Education in Osaka 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. \u3010About us\u3011<\/span><\/strong> \u3010Japanese Sword& Export Process<\/strong>\u3011<\/span> \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. \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> * 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> \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 \u3010Review\u3011<\/strong> \u3010How to make sure the condition\u3011<\/strong><\/span> \u3010How To Contact Us\u3011<\/strong> \u3010The Art of Nihonto (Japanese Sword)<\/strong>\u3011 \u3010A Guide to Japanese Sword Maintenance<\/strong>\u3011<\/span>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/yamato_gokaden_0927.jpg\")
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\nCutting Edge Length (Nagasa)<\/span><\/strong>: 73.5 cm (28.9 inches)<\/span><\/strong>
\nCurvature (Sori)<\/span><\/strong>: 2.0 cm (0.78 inches)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/f022735856134f0765d6037ed08dc502-3-scaled.jpg\")
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\nThe crystalline structure which forms along the cutting edge of a blade as a result of the hardening process.<\/strong>
\nJimon (Jihada)<\/span><\/strong>:
\nVisible steel surface pattern created by folding and hammering during forging process.<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/e4115684b98b182ed14efaae360d87dc-32.jpg\")
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\nTsuka and Menuki<\/strong><\/span><\/strong>\uff1aTsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration.<\/b><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2b6734b484996edbed0a8a72ee3a1b9b-28-scaled.jpg\")
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\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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/d4377f08a212cd0248d19f554da5c43e-1-scaled.jpg\")
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\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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/5623eabfdde4147c0ecdc704028c6ecd.jpg\")
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\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
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\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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/SSL_payment_1222-01-1.jpg\")
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\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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/48026a8af882b8fafae180fa48fbd5f4.jpg\")
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\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
\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
\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
\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
\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