Antique Japanese Sword Katana Signed by Omi no Kami Minamoto Hisamichi and Minamoto Rai Hisatsugu with <\/span>Tokubetsu Hozon<\/span> <\/span>Certificate<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \u3010Description\u3011<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0This blade was signed by Omi no Kami Minamoto Hisamichi (\u8fd1\u6c5f\u5b88\u6e90\u4e45\u9053) and Chakushi Minamoto Rai Hisatsugu (\u5ae1\u5b50\u6e90\u6765\u4e45\u6b21), and it also bears a carved branch-chrysanthemum crest (\u679d\u83ca\u7d0b) together with the inscription \u201cGenroku 10 (1697), 2nd month, auspicious day\u201d (\u5143\u7984\u62fe\u5e74\u4e8c\u6708\u5409\u65e5). The name Hisamichi continued for seven generations. Based on the signatures and the inscribed date, we believe this sword was a collaborative work between the first-generation Hisamichi and the second-generation Hisamichi (who originally signed Hisatsugu), the legitimate heir of the first-generation Hisamichi and the son of the second-generation Rai Kimichi (\u6765\u91d1\u9053). Both smiths were active from the early to mid-Edo period.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0A jointly forged sword such as this is known as Gassaku (\u5408\u4f5c), a practice in which two swordsmiths work together on a single blade. Gassaku was most commonly done between a master and his apprentice, or a father and his son, and often reflects the transmission of skill, stylistic characteristics, and craftsmanship from one generation to the next. This blade is an excellent example of such collaborative workmanship.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The first-generation Hisamichi was born in 1625, the 2nd year of the Kan-Ei era, in Omi province (today\u2019s Shiga prefecture). After moving to Kyoto, he joined the prestigious Mishina school and studied under the 2nd-generation Iganokami Kinmichi (\u4f0a\u8cc0\u5b88\u91d1\u9053), one of the most renowned Yamashiro-based swordsmiths of the early Edo period.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0In 1662, at the age of 37, the first-generation Hisamichi received the honorable court title Omi no Kami (\u8fd1\u6c5f\u5b88). Around this time, he was also granted the rare privilege to engrave the imperial chrysanthemum crest on his blades. Thereafter, he frequently carved either the chrysanthemum (\u83ca\u7d0b) or branch-chrysanthemum crest (\u679d\u83ca\u7d0b) on the tang\u2014an exceptional honor that reflected the high esteem for his craftsmanship. He was regarded as one of the Gokaji, the five most prestigious Kyoto swordsmiths. His blades were admired not only for their refined beauty but also for their exceptional sharpness. He passed his mastery to his successor and died in 1711 at the age of 86.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The second-generation Hisamichi was born in 1663, the 3rd year of the Kanbun era, as the son of the second-generation Rai Kimichi, also of the Mishina lineage. He first signed Hisatsugu (\u4e45\u6b21). Later he was adopted by the first-generation Hisamichi and inherited the name Hisamichi. In 1702 (Genroku 15), he likewise received the title Omi no Kami. In 1722 (Kyoho 7), he was officially ordered to reside in Edo (modern Tokyo) to forge swords for the shogunate. He left numerous collaborative works with the first-generation master, and this blade is an excellent example of such joint craftsmanship.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The second-generation Hisamichi left many collaborative works with the first generation, and this blade\u2014signed by both and dated Genroku 10 with the chrysanthemum crest\u2014is an excellent example of such joint craftsmanship.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The Genroku era (1688\u20131704) is known as one of the most peaceful and culturally prosperous periods of the Edo period. Under the stable rule of the Tokugawa shogunate, political unrest was minimal, and society enjoyed long-lasting peace. As a result, the economy flourished, cities expanded, and a vibrant urban culture blossomed. This age saw the height of ukiyo-e prints, kabuki theater, haiku poetry, and many forms of craftsmanship, including sword-making. Even though it was a time of peace with fewer actual battles, swordsmiths continued to refine their skill and aesthetics, producing blades that excelled in both functional precision and artistic beauty.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u00a0It 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 <\/p>\n *Please keep in mind that there are a few thin black spots as well as a couple of Kitae Kizu on the blade.\u00a0 If you like to know the detailed condition, please feel free to contact us.<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u3010Blade\u3011<\/span><\/strong> Hamon<\/strong><\/span>\uff1a Kissaki<\/strong>\uff1a<\/span><\/span>Kissaki is the tip\u00a0of the Japanese sword.<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/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<\/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 \u00a0<\/span> <\/p>\n 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 seems to be decorated with an auspicious combination: Matsu ni Tsuru (\u677e\u306b\u9db4), which is the combination of pine trees (\u677e, Matsu) and cranes (\u9db4, Tsuru), and is a common and usual combination in Japan. This Fuchi Kashira depicts some cranes staying near the pine trees by the sea.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Pine trees often grow by the seashores. And as pine trees keep their green color throughout the years by withstanding severe heat and cold, people thought this plant pattern represents eternal youth. Furthermore, its color is called Tokiwa-Iro (\u5e38\u76e4\u8272, evergreen trees\u2019 dark green color with brown), and pine trees have another name \u201cTokiwa-Gi (\u5e38\u76e4\u6728).\u201d Tokiwa means immutability, so Tokiwa-Iro is a color that praises green with a wish for longevity and prosperity. It is said this color was appreciated, especially in the Edo period, as a good-luck color. The pine tree design gives us an elegant and noble impression; it might be another reason that people love this motif.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The crane has long been recognized as an auspicious bird. There is a proverb that says cranes and turtles live a long life. It says cranes have even one thousand years lifespan; therefore, cranes and turtles have been considered as the symbol of longevity since a long time ago. Also, as cranes make compatible couples, its pattern represents happy marriage. Due to its pure white feathers and dignified appearance, it was favorably used as a good omen design for various ornaments or furnishings such as Kimono (\u7740\u7269, traditional Japanese costume) or Obi (\u5e2f, belt for Kimono). Senbazuru (\u5343\u7fbd\u9db4, thousand cranes) is one of Japan\u2019s most popular Origami craft, which is made of Origami paper. A thousand cranes of paper are jointed, and it is mainly used for wishes of recovering.<\/span><\/p>\n Tsuka and Menuki<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aTsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The Menuki on this Tsuka feature motifs of sakura (\u685c, cherry blossoms) and kiku (\u83ca, chrysanthemums).<\/span> \u00a0These two floral motifs were especially favored by Samurai, as together they express both elegance and dignity, making them fitting decorations for a high-quality sword mounting.<\/span><\/p>\n 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 \u00a0We believe the theme of this Tsuba is Seashells (\u8c9d\u5c3d\u304f\u3057, Kai Dukushi). <\/span>This pattern is a combination of different types of seashells. It is often designed with a seaside scene or wave pattern. You would feel the refreshing atmosphere of summer. Bivalves, especially clam, its shells cannot be combined with any other clam\u2019s frame; therefore, its pattern represents happy marriage.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Seashell is called Kai (\u8c9d) in Japanese. Because of its pronunciation, the seashell has another meaning. There is a word Yarigai (\u3084\u308a\u304c\u3044, worthwhile). As a part of this word has the same accent as Kai (\u8c9d is read Gai in some cases), Japanese people found this meaning. Also, since seashells are hard and combine only with their pair, people thought it represented a robust defense. Due to these meanings that inspire warriors who go to the battlefields, Samurais might have loved this motif.<\/span><\/p>\n Saya<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aSaya is the scabbard for the Japanese sword.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0This Saya is covered with black lacquer. Due to its high waterproof effect, lacquer has been used since ancient times in Asia. The blade of a Japanese sword is made of iron, and moisture is the greatest enemy of iron. For the purpose of carrying the blade without degrading it, people devised a method of coating the scabbard with lacquer. To prevent not only moisture but also rain and snow from penetrating the inside of the scabbard, it was necessary to apply multiple layers of lacquer. The Nushi (\u5857\u5e2b, lacquerers) was born precisely because advanced techniques were required to handle the complicated processes.<\/span><\/p>\n Authentication Paper<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aNBTHK TOKUBETSU Hozon Certificate for the blade (No. 153062)<\/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 March 19th in the 20th year of Heisei (2008). 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 Registration Number : Tokyo 199431<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0The Board of Education in Tokyo 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. <\/p>\n —————————————————————–<\/p>\n \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\/10\/yamashiro_gokaden_0927.jpg\")
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<\/p>\nGenroku Era<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nCutting Edge Length(Nagasa)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a72.1 cm (28.3 inches)<\/strong><\/span>
\n<\/strong><\/span>Curvature(Sori)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a1.6 cm (0.55 inches)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/toushin-25.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-25-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>\uff1a
\nvisible steel surface pattern created by folding and hammering during forging process<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/katana-30.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-30.jpg\")
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\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/hada-27.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-27-scaled.jpg\")
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Cherry blossoms symbolize the beauty and transience of life, while chrysanthemums\u2014an imperial emblem\u2014represent longevity, nobility, and refinement.<\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/tuka-20.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-20-scaled.jpg\")
\u00a0 \u00a0 ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/tuka2-23.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-23-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\/11\/touroku-27.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-27-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 1300 Japanese swords for the past few years (\uff5e2026) 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