{"id":75316,"date":"2025-10-08T11:09:57","date_gmt":"2025-10-08T02:09:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/?post_type=product&p=75316"},"modified":"2026-01-14T17:58:34","modified_gmt":"2026-01-14T08:58:34","slug":"antique-japanese-sword-katana-signed-by-kunimunenbthk-hozon-certificate","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/product\/antique-japanese-sword-katana-signed-by-kunimunenbthk-hozon-certificate\/","title":{"rendered":"Antique Japanese Sword Katana Signed by Kunimune
NBTHK Hozon <\/span>Certificate"},"content":{"rendered":"

Antique Japanese Sword Katana Signed by Kunimune with NBTHK <\/span>Hozon<\/span> <\/span>Certificate<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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

\u00a0This blade bears the signature \u201c\u014csh\u016b Aizu-j\u016b Kunimune\u201d (\u5965\u5dde\u4f1a\u6d25\u4f4f\u56fd\u5b97) and has been authenticated by the NBTHK (Society for the Preservation of the Japanese Art Sword) as having been forged in August of Tenp\u014d 12 (1841).<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Kunimune was the son of the swordsmith Kuniaki from the Aizu domain (present-day Fukushima Prefecture). His real name was Murata Denji. He was a disciple of Sh\u014dken Motooki, the official swordsmith of the Aizu domain, and he used the art name \u201cSh\u014dry\u016bsai.\u201d His works are signed both as \u201c\u014csh\u016b Aizu-j\u016b Kunimune (\u5965\u5dde\u4f1a\u6d25\u4f4f\u56fd\u5b97)\u201d and \u201c\u014csh\u016b Aizu Sh\u014dry\u016bsai Kunimune (\u5965\u5dde\u4f1a\u6d25\u677e\u9f8d\u658e\u56fd\u5b97).\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0During the Edo period, powerful domains such as Aizu maintained okakae kaji (\u5fa1\u62b1\u3048\u935b\u51b6) \u2013 exclusive, officially retained swordsmiths who produced blades specifically for their lords. Kunimune was one of these retainers. Historical records note that he often tested his blades by cutting through deer antlers, a demonstration of the remarkable cutting ability of his swords for practical combat use.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Furthermore, Matsudaira Katamori, the lord of Aizu and Kyoto Military Commissioner, is known to have supplied swords made by Aizu smiths to the Shinsengumi (\u65b0\u9078\u7d44), the famed special police force of the late Edo period. This indicates a strong connection between Kunimune\u2019s blades and the turbulent years leading up to the Meiji Restoration. Kunimune passed away on June 4, 1870 (Meiji 3).
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About late Edo period<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0The Bakumatsu period (\u5e55\u672b) was the final part of Japan\u2019s Edo period, lasting from around 1853 to 1868. It began when American ships led by Commodore Perry arrived in Japan and encouraged the country to open its ports to international trade. This moment was a turning point in Japanese history. Many people in Japan were surprised by Western technology and started thinking about how the country should respond to the changing world.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0At the time, there were strong debates between those who supported the traditional Tokugawa shogunate and others who believed Japan needed to modernize and return political power to the Emperor. These disagreements eventually led to conflict and the end of samurai-led government.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Samurai were important figures during the Bakumatsu period. Their swords, known as Katana, were not just weapons but also powerful symbols of their values and way of life. However, as Japan began to build a modern army and adopt new weapons, swords became less common in battle.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0It is appraised as a\u00a0Hozon Token\u00a0<\/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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*Please keep in mind that there are a couple of Kitae Kizu on the groove of this blade. If you like to see the detailed condition, please feel free to contact us.<\/em><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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\u3010 Blade\u3011<\/span><\/strong>
\nCutting Edge Length(Nagasa)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a72.4 cm (28.5 inches)<\/strong><\/span>
\nCurvature(Sori)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a1.9 cm (0.74 inches)<\/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>
\nJimon(Jihada)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a
\nvisible steel surface pattern created by folding and hammering during forging process<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Kissaki<\/strong>\uff1a<\/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

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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 also features the Nanako-ji technique (\u9b5a\u3005\u5b50\u5730). Nanako-ji is a traditional Japanese metalworking method in which the surface of the metal is covered with a uniform pattern of extremely fine, raised dots. The name nanako means \u201cfish eggs,\u201d and as the name suggests, the surface resembles a field of tiny, round granules, much like roe.<\/span><\/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

\u00a0The theme of this Menuki\u00a0 is Tokugawa Aoi mon (\u5fb3\u5ddd\u8475\u7d0b). It is known as the family crest of Tokugawa Shogunate family led by Tokugawa Ieyasu, a famous military commander of the Warring States period. This plant pattern has also been used for the crest of the Kamo shrine in Kyoto prefecture. As mentioned above, the famous Shogunate family, the Tokugawa family, had their family crest with three leaves of Aoi due to the relationship with the Kamo shrine. As its leaves have a habit of always facing the sun, and the word \u201cAoi\u201d is taken as \u201cAogu (\u4ef0\u3050, looking up)\u201d for the sun, people thought the Aoi pattern would bring good fortune.<\/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

\u00a0Oval-shaped Tsuba made from iron. As it does not have any gorgeous decorations such as gold and silver inlays, you could enjoy the texture of iron itself. We hope that you would appreciate its smooth touch.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u00a0This scabbard is finished with Roironuri (\u874b\u8272\u5857), a traditional lacquering technique. Roironuri is a type of urushi coating in which the lacquer is applied with a brush and then meticulously polished to remove the brush marks, resulting in a mirror-like surface. The process involves polishing the coated surface with charcoal, rubbing in raw lacquer, wiping off the excess, and finally polishing it again with abrasives and oil. Although the appearance is simple and orthodox, it requires an extraordinary amount of time and skill to complete. On top of the Roironuri finish, the Tokugawa Aoi crest (\u8475\u7d0b), the same motif as seen on the menuki fitting, is elegantly applied.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\nAuthentication Paper<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aNBTHK Hozon Certificate for the blade (No. 387410)<\/strong><\/p>\n

NBTHK<\/a>, 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 January 28th in the 23rd year of Heisei (2011). 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<\/a>\u00a0for your record if you request.<\/p>\n

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Registration Number : Fukushima 23267<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The Board of Education in Fukushima 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.
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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>
\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