\u3010Description\u3011<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span>Summary<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0This blade is attributed to Tegai\u00a0 (\u624b\u63bb) according to NBTHK\u2019s appraisal. Tegai is one of the most prestigious schools in Yamato province established by the first-gen Kanenaga. The school was prosperous during the late Kamakura-mid Muromachi period (1288-1460). We believe the attribution was given to late Kamakura-Nanbokucho era (Early-Mid 14th century). It is said that Tegai school belonged to Todaiji temple, and it was located in front of the gate called Tengai Gate (\u8f3e\u78d1\u9580). The school name Tegai originally came from the sound of Tengai Gate.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0There were five prestigious schools, including Tegai school, during the Kamakura-Nanbokucho period in Yamato province. They are called Yamato Goha(\u5927\u548c\u4e94\u6d3e); Senjyuin(\u5343\u624b\u9662), Shikkake (\u5c3b\u61f8), Taima(\u5f53\u9ebb), Hosho(\u4fdd\u660c) and Tegai(\u624b\u63bb) school. They served politically powerful monks and temples in Nara, such as Todaiji temples. They were initially forging swords for military monks who became powerful due to the government\u2019s policy back then.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Monks needed many weapons as there were many political rivalries between influential temples. They required strong weapons like swords to protect themselves. During this time, Tegai school or other Yamato sword schools met the requests from monks. They also forged blades for Samurai during their heyday. It is often the case that those who belonged to Yamato Goha didn\u2019t inscribe their signatures.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Tegai school belonged to YAMATO DEN, which has the longest history among GOKADEN, five traditions of Japanese sword forging techniques. The blades forged by swordsmiths residing in the Yamato region are generally called Yamato Mono.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The swords forged in the Yamato regions are famous for their beautiful Jigane, steel surface, and straight tempering line(Suguha). This blade has a beautiful Jigane with a Suguha tempering line, which shows an outstanding characteristic of the Yamato sword.<\/span><\/p>\n Horimono (Engraving)<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0One side of the blade features a finely executed horimono (\u5f6b\u308a\u7269, engraved carving) of the Kurikara-ken (\u5036\u5229\u4f3d\u7f85\u5263).<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The Kurikara-ken is the sacred sword associated with Fudo Myo-o(\u4e0d\u52d5\u660e\u738b), a central deity in Esoteric Buddhism. It is traditionally depicted entwined with a dragon, symbolizing the power to cut through ignorance, delusion, and evil. This potent imagery was believed to provide spiritual protection and inner strength, and for this reason, it was especially favored by samurai warriors as a source of mental and spiritual support.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The design of this Kurikara-ken follows the form of the Sanko-tsuka-ken (\u4e09\u9237\u67c4\u5263, Three-Pronged Vajra Sword), a ritual implement used in Esoteric Buddhist practices. Such swords were regarded not as weapons in a physical sense, but as sacred symbols invoked in prayers and rites to ward off evil and invoke divine protection. Tanto (\u77ed\u5200)<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0Japan has a long history of traditions related to the Japanese sword, many of which have been passed down for generations. One such custom is the practice of giving a tanto (small dagger ) as a protective charm to someone dearly cherished. These daggers are known as \u201cMamori-gatana\u201d (\u5b88\u308a\u5200), or \u201cprotective swords.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Mamori-gatana are often presented to newborn children, brides, or daughters to protect them from harm. They may also be placed near the head or chest of a deceased person as a spiritual safeguard.\u00a0A specific type of protective dagger, called a \u201cMakura-gatana\u201d (\u6795\u5200) or \u201cpillow sword,\u201d was traditionally placed beside one\u2019s pillow during sleep to ward off evil spirits. This practice dates back to the time of the samurai and was especially common in warrior households.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0*Please note that there is some light rust visible on the blade. If you would like further details regarding its condition, please feel free to contact us.<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u3010 Blade\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 <\/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\uff1aKoshirae 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 Tsuka and Menuki<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aTsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0This menuki features a Cloud and Dragon motif (Unryu-zu, \u96f2\u7adc\u56f3), a powerful design symbolizing strength, protection, and divine authority. <\/span>The piece is crafted on a shakudo ground (\u8d64\u9285\u5730), a traditional Japanese alloy of copper with a small amount of gold, prized for its deep, dark patina that enhances the sculptural details of the design.<\/span><\/p>\n In Japanese art, the dragon is regarded as a benevolent and celestial creature associated with water, rain, and the heavens, while clouds signify the realm from which divine power emerges. Together, the cloud-and-dragon motif conveys vitality, auspicious energy, and spiritual protection, making it a favored subject among samurai and craftsmen alike.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span> 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 \u00a0This tsuba is made of iron (tetsuji, \u9244\u5730) and features a refined paulownia branch motif (Eda-kiri-zu, \u679d\u6850\u56f3).<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The paulownia (kiri, \u6850) has been regarded since ancient times as an auspicious tree associated with nobility, prosperity, and good governance. In Japan, it is famously known as a symbol used by the imperial court and high-ranking warriors, and it later became widely adopted as a crest by samurai families. The depiction of paulownia branches emphasizes elegance and restraint, allowing the natural strength and texture of the iron surface to stand out.<\/span><\/p>\n Kozuka<\/span>:\u00a0Kozuka is a small knife stored in Kozuka Hitsu(groove of the sheath of the Japanese sword).<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0The design of this kozuka features the same dragon motif as the accompanying menuki; however, it depicts a Wave Dragon motif (Haryu-zu, \u6ce2\u9f8d\u56f3), showing the dragon swimming dynamically amid splashing waves.<\/span><\/p>\n Unlike dragons emerging from clouds, the wave dragon is closely associated with water and movement, emphasizing the dragon\u2019s powerful presence within the sea. This motif was commonly used in sword fittings to convey strength, vitality, and control over water, making it a fitting companion design to the dragon-themed menuki.<\/span><\/p>\n Saya<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aSaya is the scabbard for the Japanese sword.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span> Authentication Paper<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aNBTHK TOKUBETSU KICHOU Certificate for the blade (No. 133364)<\/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 October 22nd in the 42nd year of Showa (1967). They appraised it as Tokubetsu Kichou Touken, an old form of the certificate. 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Authentication Paper<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aNBTHK TOKUBETSU KICHOU Certificate for the koshirae<\/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 Koshirae on October 22nd in the 42nd year of Showa (1967). They appraised it as Tokubetsu Kichou Touken, an old form of the certificate. 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Registration Number : <\/span>Hokkaido 1234<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0The Board of Education in Hokkaido 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. The 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. <\/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\/09\/yamato_gokaden_0927.jpg\")
\u00a0![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/yamato_gokaden_JMAP_0709.jpg\")
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\nCutting Edge Length(Nagasa)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a26.0 cm (10.2 inches)<\/strong>
\n<\/strong><\/span>Curvature(Sori)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a0 cm (0 inches)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/toushin-11.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-11-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\/2026\/01\/katana2_hokkaidio-1.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-1.jpg\")
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\u00a0 \u00a0 ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/tuka2-8.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-8-scaled.jpg\")
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\u00a0\u00a0![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/kozuka-2.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-2-scaled.jpg\")
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\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\/2026\/01\/touroku-13.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-13-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 700 Japanese swords for the past few years (\uff5e2024) 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, 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