Antique Japanese Sword Katana\u00a0 Signed by Fujiwara Tamakiku with <\/span>Tokubetsu Hozon<\/span> <\/span>Certificate<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \u3010Description\u3011<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0This blade was signed by \u201cNagato no Kuni Han Ofuka Gozaemon Kinry\u016bshi Fujiwara Tamakiku saku\u201d (\u9577\u9580\u56fd\u85e9\u5927\u6df1\u4e94\u5de6\u885b\u9580\u7434\u6d41\u5b50\u85e4\u539f\u7389\u559c\u4e45\u4f5c). Nagato Province, corresponding to present-day Yamaguchi Prefecture, is the place associated with this swordsmith. The inscription identifies the maker as Fujiwara Tamakiku, who used the art name Kinryushi and included the name Ofuka Gozaemon in the signature.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The reverse side of the tang is inscribed \u201cBunky\u016b yonen kinoe-ne nigatsu hi kitae k\u014dj\u014d jugo mai\u201d (\u6587\u4e45\u56db\u5e74\u7532\u5b50\u4e8c\u6708\u65e5\u935b\u7532\u72b6\u5341\u4e94\u679a). This indicates that the blade was forged in February of 1864 (Bunky\u016b 4, year of Kinoe-Ne) and refers to a highly sophisticated forging technique in which fifteen pieces of iron were layered and forged together.<\/span><\/p>\n The Background History<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Japan enjoyed a relatively peaceful time from the early Edo period to the mid-Edo period (the 1600s-1760s) because of the stable economy and the powerful government run by Tokugawa Shogun. Samurai didn\u2019t have many opportunities to utilize his Katana sword in public or on battlefields during this time. Thus, they carried their swords more as a symbol of their social status. The demand for weapons decreased accordingly compared to the previous Warring state period called Sengoku Jidai (1467-1600).<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0As the end of the Edo period (1764-1876) approached, the Japanese sword\u2019s role underwent a dramatic transformation. With the spread of poverty in Japan and the ensuing civil unrest, the sword became a crucial tool in maintaining public safety, a stark contrast to its symbolic role in the earlier, more peaceful periods.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The mounting pressure from foreign countries to open Japanese borders, coupled with internal strife, forced the Samurai to order swords that not only served as symbols of their status but also as practical tools for survival. Many swordsmiths, including Tamakiku, dedicated their efforts to forging high-quality, practical blades for their masters, preparing for the battles that seemed inevitable in those tumultuous times.<\/span><\/p>\n There was a civil war between Tokugawa\u2019s military government and the new Meiji government at the end of the Edo period. That means the original owner of this Katana might have seen the moment when Samurai\u2019s life changed forever. This blade\u00a0has a strong looking\u00a0and must have been practical to use in that demanding time.<\/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 is a couple of black rust and Kitae Kizu on the blade. If you like to see the detailed condition, please feel free to contact us.<\/em><\/span><\/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 features the Ken Katabami (\u5263\u7247\u55b0) family crest at its center, surrounded by a flowing karakusa (\u5510\u8349, arabesque) pattern.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Katabami (\u7247\u55b0) is a plant with heart-shaped leaves and has long been regarded as a symbol of prosperity and the flourishing of descendants. It was also valued for its strong vitality, as it continues to grow even when trampled, which further enhanced its auspicious meaning. For these reasons, the motif was widely favored among samurai families.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The Ken Katabami design combines katabami leaves with sword elements, reflecting an association with the samurai class. This motif was adopted by many samurai families and illustrates the close connection between this plant symbol and samurai culture.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span> Tsuka and Menuki<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aTsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The flower depicted on this menuki is most likely a chrysanthemum, known as kiku (\u83ca).<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The chrysanthemum is one of the flowers that symbolize autumn and has been highly appreciated since ancient times. In China, it was once used medicinally with the belief that it could promote longevity, and this cultural association was introduced to Japan during the Nara period. Because its petals radiate outward, the chrysanthemum has also been likened to the sun, and thus it came to represent longevity, good health, and vitality.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The \u201cKiku no Gomon\u201d (\u83ca\u306e\u5fa1\u7d0b), a stylized chrysanthemum crest, has long been used by the Imperial family of Japan and is widely recognized as a symbol of nobility and prestige.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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 \u00a0The motif of this Tsuba is the Ry\u016b (\u9f8d, dragon). Throughout the fittings, the classic Unry\u016b-zu (\u96f2\u9f8d\u56f3, dragon emerging from clouds) design is prominently featured.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The dragon is an imaginary creature originating in ancient Chinese mythology and has long been revered as a symbol of auspicious power. Its form is traditionally described as a composite of nine animals: antlers of a deer, a camel\u2019s head, demon-like eyes, a snake\u2019s neck, the belly of a mizuchi (\u86df, a mythical Japanese water creature resembling a horned serpent), fish scales, falcon-like claws, tiger-like paws, and the ears of an ox. Because of this extraordinary and otherworldly appearance, the dragon was believed to reign supreme over all animals.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0 In ancient China, the dragon motif was strictly reserved for the emperor, and even details such as its form and the number of claws were carefully regulated according to rank. In contrast, Japanese representations of dragons were not governed by rigid class-based rules. Nevertheless, the motif retained its significance as a universally auspicious symbol, associated with power, protection, and good fortune.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0In Japan, dragons have also been venerated as water deities under the belief known as Ry\u016bjin Shink\u014d (\u7adc\u795e\u4fe1\u4ef0, dragon-god worship). As rice cultivation has long been central to Japanese society, water has always been an essential and sacred resource. For this reason, the dragon motif\u2014symbolizing rain, water, and life-giving force\u2014has been deeply familiar to the Japanese people since ancient times.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span> 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. 1025356)<\/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 December 1st in the 7th year of Reiwa (2025). 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 138197<\/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>
\nCutting Edge Length(Nagasa)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a70.1 cm (27.5 inches)<\/strong><\/span>
\n<\/strong><\/span>Curvature(Sori)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a1.1 cm (0.43 inches)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/toushin-63.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-63-scaled.jpg\")
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/toushin_saya-64.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-64-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\/03\/katana-43.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-43.jpg\")
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\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/hamon2-48.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-48-scaled.jpg\")
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\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/hada-43.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-43-scaled.jpg\")
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\u00a0 ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/tuka2-34.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-34-scaled.jpg\")
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<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/saya-36.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-36-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\/2026\/03\/touroku-41.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-41-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