{"id":82097,"date":"2026-01-08T17:30:06","date_gmt":"2026-01-08T08:30:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/?post_type=product&p=82097"},"modified":"2026-02-09T15:23:52","modified_gmt":"2026-02-09T06:23:52","slug":"antique-japanese-sword-katana-signed-by-hirotsugunbthk-tokubetsu-kichou-certificate-for-the-blade-and-the-koshirae","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/product\/antique-japanese-sword-katana-signed-by-hirotsugunbthk-tokubetsu-kichou-certificate-for-the-blade-and-the-koshirae\/","title":{"rendered":"Antique Japanese Sword Katana Signed by Hirotsugu
NBTHK Tokubetsu Kichou Certificate for the blade and the Koshirae"},"content":{"rendered":"

Antique Japanese Sword Tachi Signed by Hirotsugu with Tokubetsu Kichou<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Certificate<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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

Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0This blade bears the signature of Hirotsugu (\u5f18\u6b21). There are several swordsmiths who used Hirotsugu as a maker’s name during the Koto era and NBTHK didn’t conclude which Hirotsugu forged this blade. We made a phone call to NBTHK and they informed us that this blade was made by one of Hiortsugu during the Ko-to era.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

KOTO era<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0The swords made between the Late Heian Period towards the end of the Warring States (930-1595 A.D.) are called KOTO (\u53e4\u5200: Old-Sword) in Japanese. Those swords were likely to be used in real lives of Samurai, so their designs had to fit the way they used the sword.\u00a0 It is hard to generalize Koto but they typically have a more aesthetically masculine look than those of the other eras.\u00a0 The blacksmithing technique wasn\u2019t fully developed yet in this era, so the KO-TO blades contain gold, silver, and other metals, making the surface pattern of Koto intricate and beautiful.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Tachi Koshirae<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Tachi was originally worn by high-class court novels that belonged to the imperial court. It mainly used by an armored Samurai with one hand on horseback from the Heian period (794-1185 A.D.) until the early Muromachi period later. TACHI was suspended loosely on the left waist with its edge facing the ground so that you could draw it faster to cut down soldiers on the ground. Because of its gorgeous looking, having a Tachi-style sword mounting became a social status among Samurai.<\/p>\n

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

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\u3010 Blade\u3011<\/span><\/strong>
\nCutting Edge Length(Nagasa)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a 69.4 cm (27.3inches)<\/span><\/strong>
\nCurvature(Sori)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a2<\/strong>.2 cm (0.86 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>: <\/span>Kissaki is the tip\u00a0of the Japanese sword.<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Nakago<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aNakago is the tang of the Japanese sword. <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Koshirae<\/strong>:<\/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

\u00a0This type of Koshirae is called a Tachi-koshirae (\u592a\u5200\u62f5\u3048), designed to be worn hanging at the waist. It is not intended for practical combat; instead, its purpose was to signify the authority and dignity of the Samurai who carried it, or the powerful figures they served. As a result, it is characterized by the luxurious decorations and colors.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u00a0The fuchi-kashira features not only the Katabami-mon (\u7247\u55b0\u7d0b), as seen on the habaki, but also the Mitsu Kashiwa (\u4e09\u3064\u67cf) family crest, which depicts three broad oak leaves. In ancient Japan, oak leaves were commonly used as natural vessels for serving food and offerings, making them an essential part of daily life. This close relationship with food and nature also extended into the realm of faith. Early Japanese religions, rooted in everyday life, worshiped natural elements such as the sun, mountains, rivers, and oceans. Offerings were made to these sacred objects, and oak leaves, along with other plant leaves, were used as containers for these offerings.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0These practices influenced the development of Shinto (\u795e\u9053), where oak leaves are still used in rituals today. Because of this background, oak leaves came to symbolize sacredness, auspiciousness, and continuity. Oak leaves also have the unique characteristic of retaining old leaves until new ones grow, which gave rise to the belief that they represent \u201cunbroken generations\u201d and the \u201ctransfer of authority.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Originally, the Kashiwa crest was closely associated with shrines, their deities, and shrine families, reflecting its strong connection with Shintoism. Over time, the emblem spread to the samurai class, likely through ties to shrines and religious institutions. By the Edo period, family crests became popular among common people as well, and the Kashiwa-mon was widely adopted. Today, it remains one of the most recognized and cherished Japanese family crests.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u00a0The menuki features the same katabami crest, providing a consistent design across the fittings.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Tsuba and Habaki<\/strong>: Tsuba 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><\/span><\/p>\n

This Tsuba is crafted in the shape of a mokko (\u6728\u74dc, \u201cfour-lobed\u201d) form, which is derived from the stylized outline of a chrysanthemum flower (\u83ca, kiku).<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Within each of the lobed sections, the openings are shaped like inome (\u732a\u76ee) \u2014 heart-shaped designs that have been used in Japanese art and architecture since ancient times. The inome motif, literally meaning \u201cboar\u2019s eye,\u201d was traditionally believed to ward off evil spirits and invite good fortune, while also adding a graceful decorative touch.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u00a0The saya\u00a0is beautifully decorated with a scattered cherry blossom motif, rendered in the maki-e (\u8494\u7d75) technique. Cherry blossoms hold deep cultural significance in Japan, symbolizing the beauty of fleeting moments and the changing of the seasons. Because the blossoms bloom brilliantly yet fall quickly, they have long been associated with impermanence and renewal, making them a favored motif in Japanese decorative arts and sword mountings.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Authentication Paper<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aNBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho Certificate for the blade (No. 119732)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\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 November 19th in the 41st year of Showa (1966). 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

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Authentication Paper<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aNBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho Certificate for the Koshirae (No. 92)<\/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 its Koshirae on March 12th<\/span> 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

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Registration Number : <\/span>Yamanashi 3789<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0The Board of Education in Yamanashi 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

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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 700 Japanese swords for the past few years (\uff5e2024) 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

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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