Antique Japanese Sword Katana Signed by Kanesada with <\/span>Tokubetsu Hozon<\/span> <\/span>Certificate<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \u3010Description\u3011<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0This blade was signed \u201c\u014csh\u016b-j\u016b Kanesada\u201d (\u5965\u5dde\u4f4f\u517c\u5b9a). \u201c\u014csh\u016b\u201d is an old name referring to Mutsu Province, which corresponds to parts of present-day Fukushima, Miyagi, Iwate, and Aomori Prefectures. The Kanesada lineage of Aizu is a distinguished school of swordsmiths that traces its origins to a founder who is said to have migrated from Mino Province around 1556, continuing through eleven generations until the end of the Samurai era. Based on the signature, the smith of this blade is believed to have been active in Aizu (\u4f1a\u6d25, present-day Fukushima).<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0According to the NBTHK (The Society for the Preservation of Japanese Art Swords), this blade is dated to Tenp\u014d 8 (1837). Based on both the inscription and stylistic characteristics, it is attributed to the 10th-generation Aizu Kanesada (\u5341\u4ee3\u4f1a\u6d25\u517c\u5b9a), a swordsmith active in the late Edo period.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0The 10th-generation Kanesada\u00a0 served as an official okakae kaji (\u5fa1\u62b1\u3048\u935b\u51b6) of the Aizu domain from the late Edo period into the Bakumatsu era.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0During this time, powerful domains such as Aizu employed exclusive, officially retained swordsmiths who produced blades specifically for their lords and samurai retainers. As one of these trusted craftsmen, Kanesada was responsible for forging swords that combined refined workmanship with practical effectiveness in combat.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Izumi no Kami Kanesada (\u548c\u6cc9\u5b88\u517c\u5b9a), 11th Generation<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The 11th-generation Kanesada was born in Tenp\u014d 8 (1837), the same year this blade was forged, and later came to be recognized as one of the most distinguished masters of the Aizu Kanesada lineage. The Aizu Kanesada tradition was passed down through eleven generations until the final years of the samurai era, with the 11th-generation Kanesada regarded as the last swordsmith to carry on and ultimately conclude this long-standing lineage.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Known in his youth as Tomoya, he began studying swordsmithing under his father at the age of fourteen. He initially signed his works as Kanemoto and assisted his father by producing blades on his behalf.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0In 1862, when the Aizu lord Matsudaira Katamori (\u677e\u5e73\u5bb9\u4fdd) was appointed to the important post of Kyoto Shugoshoku (\u4eac\u90fd\u5b88\u8b77\u8077, Military Commissioner of Kyoto), Kanesada accompanied him to Kyoto. There, he continued his training and was granted the honorary title \u201cIzumi no Kami.\u201d He later returned to Aizu in 1865 and thereafter signed his works as Izumi no Kami Kanesada.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0During this period, he forged swords for members of the Shinsengumi (\u65b0\u9078\u7d44), a well-known samurai police force. One of his most notable works is said to have been carried by Hijikata Toshiz\u014d (\u571f\u65b9\u6b73\u4e09), the vice-commander of the Shinsengumi. A blade attributed to him, dated 1867, is still preserved at Hijikata\u2019s family residence in Hino, Tokyo.<\/span><\/p>\n About late Edo period<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The Bakumatsu period (\u5e55\u672b) was the final part of Japan\u2019s Edo period, lasting from around 1853 to 1868. It began when American ships led by Commodore Perry arrived in Japan and encouraged the country to open its ports to international trade. This moment was a turning point in Japanese history. Many people in Japan were surprised by Western technology and started thinking about how the country should respond to the changing world.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0At the time, there were strong debates between those who supported the traditional Tokugawa shogunate and others who believed Japan needed to modernize and return political power to the Emperor. These disagreements eventually led to conflict and the end of samurai-led government.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Samurai were important figures during the Bakumatsu period. Their swords, known as Katana, were not just weapons but also powerful symbols of their values and way of life. However, as Japan began to build a modern army and adopt new weapons, swords became less common in battle.<\/span><\/p>\n Homare Kizu (\u8a89\u75b5)<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0We see what appears to be a Homare Kizu (\u8a89\u75b5), which tells us that this blade was used in a battle. Homare means honorable, and Homare Kizu is considered a good blade characteristic that tells us its history.<\/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 couple of Kitae Kizu and black rust 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> 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 a Cloud and Dragon motif (Unryu-zu, \u96f2\u7adc\u56f3), a powerful design symbolizing strength, protection, and divine authority.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0In 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 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 motif of Kurikara Ry\u016b\u014d (\u5036\u5229\u4f3d\u7f85\u9f8d\u738b). The name \u201cKurikara\u201d is derived from the Sanskrit word kulika, and the figure is regarded as a powerful dragon deity\u2014an embodiment of Fud\u014d My\u014d\u014d<\/span><\/span> (\u4e0d\u52d5\u660e\u738b, Acala).<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The dragon is depicted coiling around a flaming sword, creating a striking and highly symbolic composition. The sword represents wisdom that cuts through ignorance and delusion, while the dragon embodies the strength to vanquish evil and worldly attachments. Together, they form a potent symbol of protection and spiritual power. This motif is also said to originate from one of the Eight Great Dragon Kings of Indian tradition, and has long been revered as an object of devotion.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Owing to its powerful imagery and deep spiritual significance, it was favored by samurai as a symbol of protection.<\/span><\/p>\n 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 features an intricate openwork design of Japanese apricot blossoms (Ume, \u6885). Ume 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 <\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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 Nurushi (\u5857\u5e2b, lacquerers) was born precisely because advanced techniques were required to handle the complicated processes.<\/span><\/p>\n \u203b Please note that the surface of this Saya has some minor damage.<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Authentication Paper<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aNBTHK TOKUBETSU Hozon Certificate for the blade (No. 1025781)<\/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 : Fukuoka 5029<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0The Board of Education in Fukuoka prefecture 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>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/aizu_OCMOJ_20240716.jpg\")
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\nCutting Edge Length(Nagasa)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a65.3 cm (25.7 inches)<\/strong><\/span>
\n<\/strong><\/span>Curvature(Sori)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a 1.21<\/strong><\/span> cm (0.48 inches)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/toushin-45.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-45-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\/04\/katana-35.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-35.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\/04\/touroku-28.jpg-\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-28-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, 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