{"id":78831,"date":"2025-11-12T15:34:13","date_gmt":"2025-11-12T06:34:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/?post_type=product&p=78831"},"modified":"2025-12-11T21:29:11","modified_gmt":"2025-12-11T12:29:11","slug":"antique-japanese-sword-wakizashi-attributed-to-osafune-iesukenbthk-tokubetsu-hozon-certificate","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/product\/antique-japanese-sword-wakizashi-attributed-to-osafune-iesukenbthk-tokubetsu-hozon-certificate\/","title":{"rendered":"Antique Japanese Sword Wakizashi Attributed to Osafune Iesuke
NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon<\/strong> <\/span>Certificate"},"content":{"rendered":"

Antique Japanese Sword Wakizashi Attributed to Osafune Iesuke with <\/span>NBTHK\u00a0Tokubetsu\u00a0Hozon\u00a0<\/span>Certificate<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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

\u00a0This blade is attributed to Osafune Iesuke (\u9577\u8239\u5bb6\u52a9), a swordsmith from Bizen Osafune (today’s Setouchi City, Okayama Prefecture). Many of his works date from the Oei to Eikyo eras (1394\u20131441). The name \u201cIesuke\u201d literally means \u201cone who helps the household,\u201d and for that reason it was considered auspicious\u2014much like other swordsmith names meaning \u201clongevity\u201d or \u201cprosperity.\u201d Samurai families especially valued such names as good omens. It is said that Iesuke was an apprentice of Omiya Morikage and he is categorized as a Kozuri swordsmith.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Kozori is a group of swordsmiths who belonged to Osafune school in Bizen during the Nanbokucho Period-Early Muromachi period but weren\u2019t part of major branches such as Kanemitsu school. Iesuke is one of the most prominent figures in this school. Other famous swordsmiths seen as Kozori are Moromitsu, Moromitsu and Yasumitsu.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The Osafune school, which flourished in Bizen Province, reached its height of prosperity from the Kamakura period onward. Blades forged during the early Muromachi period\u2014especially those made in the Oei era (1394\u20131428)\u2014are collectively known as Oei-Bizen swords<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\" \"\"<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

This History of Bizen Osafune School<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\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

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0This blade 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u3010 Blade\u3011<\/span><\/strong>
\nCutting Edge Length(Nagasa)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a36.9 cm (14.5 inches)<\/strong><\/span>
\nCurvature(Sori)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a0.6 cm (0.23 inches)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"
\n\"\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\"\" \"\"
\n\"\" \"\"
\n\"\" \"\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\"\"<\/p>\n

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

\"\"<\/p>\n

Koshirae<\/span><\/strong>:\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

\u00a0The sword mountings of this Katana and Wakizashi Koshirae are related to\u00a0 one motif: Paulownia (\u6850, Kiri).<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The Kiri (\u6850) pattern is generally composed of three standing straight inflorescences and three leaves. The number of flowers that are blooming at each inflorescence means the ranks of this design. It is also famous that one of the most popular Samurais in Japan: Toyotomi Hideyoshi used the Kiri pattern for his family crest. According to a theory, Hideyoshi used Omodaka (\u6ca2\u7009, arrowhead) pattern as his family crest. However, Oda Nobunaga, a well-known military commander in the Warring States period, permitted Hideyoshi to use Kiri design. This plant pattern was once used by the imperial family and national leaders of the time. Today, this plant pattern is used as the crest of the Japanese Government.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Gosan-no-Kiri Monyou (\u4e94\u4e09\u306e\u6850\u6587\u69d8) is a popular design that the paulownia motif is used. This pattern was once used by the imperial family and people in authority at that time. Today, it is permitted to use by ordinary households and is appreciated as their family crests. According to a tradition, Houou (\u9cf3\u51f0, Fenghuang, a kind of sacred beast) rests its wings at the paulownia tree; therefore, it has come to be regarded as a holy plant.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Fuchi-Kashira<\/span><\/strong>:\u00a0A pair of matching sword fittings that cover the upper and bottom parts of its sword hilt.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"
\nTsuka and Menuki<\/span><\/strong>:\u00a0Tsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration.<\/b><\/p>\n

\u00a0This menuki features a fish motif, a design that symbolizes vitality, abundance, and good fortune in Japanese culture. In traditional belief, fish\u2014especially carp\u2014represent perseverance and success, as they are known for swimming upstream against strong currents.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"\u00a0\"\"<\/p>\n

Tsuba and Habaki<\/span><\/strong>:\u00a0Tsuba 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 a design based on the paulownia and arabesque vine motif (\u6850\u5510\u8349, kiri-karakusa). This traditional pattern combines the kiri (paulownia tree)\u2014a well-known symbol of good fortune in Japan\u2014with karakusa (arabesque vines), which represent vitality and longevity. The karakusa design is inspired by the vigorous growth of creeping vines, whose endlessly extending tendrils have long symbolized eternal life, prosperity, and the continuation of family lines. In Chinese tradition, the vine\u2019s trailing stems (man-dai, \u8513\u5e2f) are phonetically associated with the idea of \u201cten thousand generations,\u201d further reinforcing its auspicious meaning. As a result, this motif has traditionally been favored in celebratory occasions such as wedding ceremonies and gift exchanges, symbolizing blessings for longevity and familial prosperity.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Kozuka<\/span><\/strong>\uff1aKozuka is a small knife stored in Kozuka Hitsu(groove of the sheath of the Japanese sword).<\/b><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\"\"\u00a0\u00a0\"\"<\/p>\n

Saya<\/span><\/strong>:\u00a0Saya is the scabbard for the Japanese sword.\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0The surface of this Saya is decorated with the Ishime-Ji (\u77f3\u76ee\u5730) or Ishime-Nuri (\u77f3\u76ee\u5857). Its base was hit by Tagane (\u93e8, chisel for metalworking), and it makes a rough surface that seems stone.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

*Please keep in mind that there are some cracks and the trace of restoration near the Koi Kuchi (the entrance of the sword). If you like to know the detailed condition please feel free to contact us.<\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"\u3000\"\"<\/p>\n

Authentication Paper<\/span><\/strong>\uff1aNBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate for the blade (No.1024708) \uff06Tokubetsu Kicho Kodogu for the Koshirae (No.133)<\/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 May 28th in the 7th year of Reiwa (2025). They appraised it as Tokubetsu Hozon Touken, the blade especially worth preserving for Japanese society, and\u00a0 Koshirae as a Tokubetsu Kicho Token.\u00a0 The purchaser will receive these original certificates 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

\"\" \"\"<\/p>\n

Registration Number : Akita 5408<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The Board of Education in Akita prefecture issued a registration paper for this sword. It is called Jyu Token Rui Torokusho (\u9283\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

\"\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

—————————————————————–<\/p>\n

\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

\"\"<\/a><\/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 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

\"\"<\/p>\n

* 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

\"\"<\/p>\n

\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