{"id":85535,"date":"2026-03-30T15:08:08","date_gmt":"2026-03-30T06:08:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/?post_type=product&p=85535"},"modified":"2026-04-18T23:07:41","modified_gmt":"2026-04-18T14:07:41","slug":"antique-japanese-sword-katana-attributed-to-naka-kawachi-nbthk-tokubetsu-kicho-certificate","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/product\/antique-japanese-sword-katana-attributed-to-naka-kawachi-nbthk-tokubetsu-kicho-certificate\/","title":{"rendered":"Antique Japanese Sword Katana Attributed to Naka Kawachi NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho Certificate"},"content":{"rendered":"

Antique Japanese Sword Katana attributed to Naka Kawachi with NBTHK <\/strong><\/span>Tokubetsu Kicho<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0Certificate<\/strong><\/span>
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\u3010Description\u3011<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u00a0This blade is attributed to Naka Kawachi (\u4e2d\u6cb3\u5185), a name referring to the second-generation Kunisuke, who was active in Osaka during the early Edo period (1658\u20131673).<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Kunisuke was one of the most prominent swordsmiths in Osaka, and there were three generations in total. The second generation is known as \u201cNakagawachi\u201d (literally \u201cmiddle Kawachi\u201d) because he belonged to the middle generation between the first and the third Kunisuke. \u201cKawachi\u201d is derived from \u201cKawachi no Kami,\u201d an honorary title granted to the swordsmith. He was particularly renowned for forging blades with the Kobushi-ch\u014dji<\/em> hamon. \u201cKobushi\u201d means \u201cfist\u201d in Japanese, and this tempering pattern is characterized by a series of rounded shapes resembling clenched fists aligned in succession.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The first-generation Kunisuke was born in Ise Province (present-day Mie Prefecture) and initially served Seki Kazumasa, the lord of Kameyama Castle. After the fall of the Seki clan, he moved to Kyoto, where he became a disciple of Horikawa Kunihiro, one of the most distinguished swordsmiths of the early Edo period. Following Kunihiro\u2019s death, he further refined his skills under Echigo no Kami Kunitomo. In 1630 (the 7th year of Kan\u2019ei), he moved to Osaka together with Izumi no Kami Kunisada and established himself as an independent swordsmith. He is considered to have played a key role in the development of the Osaka Shint\u014d tradition, and his exceptional craftsmanship was successfully passed down to the second-generation Kunisuke.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Osaka Shinto<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0The blades forged by the second-gen Kunisuke are categorized as Osaka Shinto. Shinto is Japanese Sword terminology that refers to the swords forged during 1596-1781. The blades made in the Osaka area during this period are called Osaka Shinto. There are many famous swordsmiths in this Osaka Shinto era. After Hideyoshi Toyotomi built Osaka castle, Osaka city flourished as a castle town and became the business center. Many swordsmiths moved to Osaka to look for better opportunities. They not only forged swords for those Samurai who lived in Osaka but also for feudal lords nationwide. Ikanshi Tadatsuna (Awataguchi Omi no Kami Tadatsuna), Inoue Shinkai, and Tsuda Sukehiro are the most famous among many swordsmiths.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0One of the most notable characteristics of Osaka Shinto is its beauty in Jigane. Jigane is a visible steel surface pattern created by folding and hammering during the forging process), which made it possible by the location of Osaka. Osaka had close access to the Tamahagane (special carbon steel to make Japanese swords) production sites. The swordsmiths residing in Osaka were able to get high-quality carbon steel from these sites.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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\u3010Blade\u3011<\/span><\/strong>
\nCutting Edge Length (Nagasa)<\/span>: 73.9 cm (29.0 inches)<\/strong><\/span>
\nCurvature (Sori)<\/b>: 2.1 cm (0.82 inches)\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Hamon<\/strong>:\u00a0<\/span><\/span>
\nThe crystalline structure which forms along the cutting edge of a blade as a result of the hardening process.<\/strong>
\nJimon (Jihada)<\/span><\/strong>:<\/span>
\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><\/p>\n

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Nakago<\/strong><\/span>: Nakago is the tang of the Japanese sword.<\/strong><\/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

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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

\u00a0The overall theme of this sword mounting is Kassen-zu (\u5408\u6226\u56f3, \u201cbattle scene design\u201d), vividly depicting armored samurai engaged in fierce combat. The detailed yet dynamic carvings convey a strong sense of movement and realism, capturing the intensity and tension of the battlefield.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Based on the style of armor and accompanying motifs such as pine trees, the scene depicted on this mounting is most likely inspired by the Genpei Kassen (\u6e90\u5e73\u5408\u6226), a popular subject widely represented from the Muromachi to the Edo period.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The Genpei Kassen, also known as the Jish\u014d\u2013Juei War (\u6cbb\u627f\u30fb\u5bff\u6c38\u306e\u4e71), was a prolonged conflict lasting six years from 1180 to 1185. It was fought between the Minamoto clan (\u6e90\u6c0f, Genji) and the Taira clan (\u5e73\u5bb6, Heike). The war was triggered by a call to arms from Prince Mochihito (\u4ee5\u4ec1\u738b), who sought to overthrow the Taira clan. Although Prince Mochihito was defeated and killed in 1180, the Minamoto forces continued their campaign, gradually defeating the Taira armies.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The conflict culminated in the Battle of Dan-no-ura (\u58c7\u30ce\u6d66) in 1185, where the Minamoto clan achieved a decisive victory, leading to the fall of the Taira clan at the height of its power.<\/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

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

\u00a0This scabbard 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

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Authentication Paper<\/strong>: <\/span>NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho Certificate for the blade (No.86496)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

*Please note that there is a section that has been clipped, but this is where the previous holder\u2019s name was originally written, and it had already been clipped when we acquired this Katana with the certificate.<\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0NBTHK<\/span><\/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 February 20th in the 39th year of Showa (1964). They appraised it as Tokubetsu Kicho 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> for your record if you request.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Registration Number<\/span><\/strong>: Iwate 3530<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The Board of Education in Iwate 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.
\n\u00a0The 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.
\n\u00a0This 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><\/span><\/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 1300 Japanese swords for the past few years (\uff5e2026) 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.
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\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