Antique Japanese Sword Wakizashi Signed by Teruhiro with NBTHK Tokubetsu<\/span> Hozon<\/span> Certificate<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u3010Description\u3011<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0This Wakizashi bears the signature Bushu-j\u016b Teruhiro (\u6b66\u5dde\u4f4f\u7167\u5e83). Bushu refers to the historical Musashi Province, which corresponds to modern-day Tokyo and parts of Saitama. Teruhiro is the swordsmith\u2019s name, indicating that this blade was forged by him while residing in Musashi. He was active during Late Azuchi Momoyama-early Edo period (late 16th-early 17th century)<\/span> and is associated with the Bushu Shitahara tradition (\u4e0b\u539f\u6d3e).<\/span><\/p>\n About the Shitahara School<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The Shitahara school (Shitahara-ha, \u4e0b\u539f\u6d3e) originated in the late Muromachi period in Musashi Province. The swordsmiths of this school initially worked under the powerful H\u014dj\u014d clan, a dominant feudal family in the Kant\u014d region. After the H\u014dj\u014d were defeated by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the late 16th century, the Shitahara smiths entered the service of the Tokugawa shogunate as Okakae Kaji\u2014exclusive swordsmiths dedicated to a specific feudal lord or domain.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Most Shitahara swordsmiths bore the family name Yamamoto. They were particularly active from the late Muromachi through the early Edo periods, producing swords for the Tokugawa until the very end of the Edo era. The Hiroshige lineage was among the most famous within this group, but other smiths, including Shigeyoshi, contributed to the school\u2019s reputation for crafting robust and practical swords suited to the needs of working Samurai.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/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 kitae kizu and black rust spots on this blade. If you like to know the detailed condition, please feel free to contact us.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u3010Blade\u3011<\/span><\/strong> <\/p>\n Hamon<\/strong>:\u00a0<\/span> Kissaki<\/strong>: <\/span>Kissaki is the tip\u00a0of the Japanese sword.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n 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 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 Fuchi-Kashira<\/strong>:<\/span>A pair of matching sword fittings that cover the upper and bottom parts of its sword hilt.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0The theme of this Fuchi-Kashira is the pine tree (\u677e, Matsu) and the Japenese apricot blossom (\u6885, Ume).<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0As 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 \u00a0Japanese apricot blossoms begin to bloom in winter that snow still covers its tree so that people thought this flower tells the arrival of spring. Same as cherry blossom, it has been appreciated for a long time in Japan. People enjoy its adorable petal shape and scent, gracefully branched tree, and compose many poems. As it comes out in the cold season, it symbolizes the power of perseverance and vitality.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Tsuka and Menuki<\/strong>: <\/span>Tsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The pattern designed on this Menuki is called Shishi Botan (\u7345\u5b50\u7261\u4e39), which is a combination of Karajishi (\u5510\u7345\u5b50, lion) and Botan (\u7261\u4e39, peony). While lions have been known as the \u201cking of beasts\u201d, peonies have also been called the \u201cking of flowers.\u201d\u00a0 Therefore, this combination motif has been favored since ancient times.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The Shishi (\u7345\u5b50) means a lion in Japanese, and the Karajishi is a lion brought from the continent to Japan in the Toh period (\u5510, Tang dynasty, 618-907). The Karajishi typically has curly hair for its head, neck, body, and tail, as seen on this work. In Buddhism, the Karajishi is regarded as a symbol of wisdom, and Monju Bosatu (\u6587\u6b8a\u83e9\u85a9, Manjushri Bodhisattva) rides lions. According to a theory, the Karajishi is the origin of Komainu (\u72db\u72ac, stone guardian dogs that exorcize evil spirits). It shows this animal motif has been familiar to Japanese people since ancient times.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0There is a Houwa (\u6cd5\u8a71, Buddhist monks tell the story of Buddhism in an easy-to-understand manner) that treats the Karajishi and this flower. The lion is called the king of the beasts. However, even this invincible animal has only one fear: a bug in the lion\u2019s body. This pest grows in the lion\u2019s hair and eventually breaks the skin and bites the flesh. Nevertheless, it dies if it is exposed to the night dew of a peony. Therefore, the lion rests under peony flowers at night, looking for a haven. The design of these sword mountings might have been quoted from this story.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Peony represents happiness, wealth, nobleness, and gorgeousness. This flower pattern has been treated as a kind of good-omen motif; people regarded it as a rich harvest sign. Peony is called \u201cBotan\u201d in Japanese. When we write this flower\u2019s name in Japanese, its second letter means mountain hermit medicine that would give us eternal youth. Based on the meaning of this letter, the peony pattern symbolizes eternal youth and longevity.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0This Tsuba is made of iron in a four-lobed mokk\u014d shape (\u56db\u3064\u6728\u74dc), with a distinctive design where the top and bottom are cut open, leaving only the rim in an openwork structure.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span> Kozuka<\/strong><\/span>:\u00a0Kozuka is a small knife stored in Kozuka Hitsu(groove of the sheath of the Japanese sword).<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0The motif of this Kozuka is a clam (\u86e4: Hamaguri). The clam symbolizes marital harmony, as its two shells fit perfectly together, and it also represents strength due to the hardness of its shell. Seashell 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>\u00a0Saya is the scabbard for the Japanese sword.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n *Please note that there is an area of lacquer deterioration and surface scratches on part of the saya,\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/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 Nurushi (\u5857\u5e2b, lacquerers) was born precisely because advanced techniques were required to handle the complicated processes.<\/span> <\/p>\n Authentication Paper<\/strong>: <\/span>NBTHK TOKUBETSU Hozon Certificate for the blade (No. 1025555)<\/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<\/span><\/strong>:\u00a0<\/span> Osaka 134489<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The Board of Education in Osaka 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 \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 \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\/musashi_OCMOJ_0927.jpg\")
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\nCutting Edge Length (Nagasa)<\/strong>: 49.8<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0cm (19.6 inches)<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\nCurvature (Sori)<\/strong>: 1.4 cm (0.55 inches)<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/toushin-72.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-72-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><\/span>
\nJimon(Jihada)<\/span><\/strong>:\u00a0<\/span>
\nvisible steel surface pattern created by folding and hammering during forging process<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/katana-49.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-49.jpg\")
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\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/hamon2-54.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-54-scaled.jpg\")
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\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/hada-49.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-49-scaled.jpg\")
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\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/tuba_up-38.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-38-scaled.jpg\")
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\u00a0 \u00a0 ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/tuka2-40.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-40-scaled.jpg\")
\nTsuba and Habaki<\/strong>: <\/span>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><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/tuba-42.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-42-scaled.jpg\")
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\u00a0\u00a0![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/kozuka2-3.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-3-scaled.jpg\")
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\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/saya-42.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-42-scaled.jpg\")
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\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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/touroku-47.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-47-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 1000 Japanese swords for the past few years (\uff5e2025) 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, UK, Canada, Mexico, Germany, France, Hong Kong UK<\/a>, <\/span><\/span>and Australia<\/span><\/a><\/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