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Home , Japanese sword, Masamune, Scabbard, Sword

The Kamakura Show Vol. V

Saturday, April 21 (10am – 5pm) doors close at 6pm Sunday, April 22, (10am – 5pm) doors close at 6pm

Yoshida Gallery 2FL 2-12-33 Komachi, Kamakura

Antique Japanese For Sale

The following pages contain descriptions for the Japanese swords that Unique plans to have for sale at the Kamakura Sword Show Vol V.

Each piece is a genuine Japanese antique and can be legally owned and exported outside of Japan to the or most elsewhere in the world.

Descriptions and availability are subject to updates. Our staff will happily expand on the information presented so you can discover the full story of each unique piece of .

Unique Japan, Fine Art Dealer Antiques license issued by Meguro City, Tokyo (No.303291102398) Proud Member of the Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai (Society for the Preservation of the Japan Art Sword)

1 A SADAHIDE ARMY GUNTO signed + dated, 12th showa period (august, 1937)

Swordsmith: Ecchu Koku ju Miyamoto Sadahide (越中国住宮本貞秀造之) Dated: August, 1937 (昭和拾二年八月吉日) Length: 68.0cm Curvature: 1.5cm : Suguha (straight) Included: Koshirae, silk carry bag, sword stand, maintenance kit, printed care guide, DVD, registration and all exportation paperwork

¥508,000 On sale!  ¥465,000 ($5,813)

This is a very fine WWII Army Gunto that was signed and dated in August 1937.

It has a tremendous curvature and is rather long - approaching 70cm.

The straight hamon (temper line) was inspired by swordsmiths who first made 900 years ago in the .

All Army and Navy guntos carry a Sakura (cherry blossom) theme. The Sakura is the national flower of Japan and the most masculine one.

The Sakura is an important symbol because the cherry tree blooms for a very short time, and then they disappear.

Like the Samurai warrior, the cherry blossom dies at the peak of its maturity.

All seppa (washers) and tsuba (guard) match in numbers. This shows that the and are original to the blade.

2 A SHINODA UJIFUSA ARMY GUNTO signed, showa period (circa wwii)

Length: 66.7cm Curvature: 1.0cm Hamon: Gunome with Kochoji (waves with cloves) Included: Koshirae, silk carry bag, sword stand, maintenance kit, printed care guide, DVD, registration and all exportation paperwork

¥520,000 On sale!  ¥479,000 ($5,987)

This is an excellent WWII Army Gunto held by a Company or Warrant Officer as signified by the brown-blue tassel suspended at the .

氏房 (Ujifusa) is a name synonymous with quality sword making dating back several centuries. It is not entirely certain how the name Shinoda is related to the Ujifusa family but it would have been an honor bestowed upon him.

All Army and Navy guntos carry a Sakura (cherry blossom) theme. The Sakura is the national flower of Japan and the most masculine one.

The Sakura is an important Samurai symbol because the cherry tree blooms for a very short time, and then they disappear.

Like the Samurai warrior, the cherry blossom dies at the peak of its maturity.

The scabbard is made of heavy , so it’s one of the originals. Later made were housed in aluminum so that steel could be used elsewhere during the war.

All seppa (washers) and tsuba (guard) match in numbers, which is important when investing in top quality gunto swords.

3 A HIROSHIGE signed, (circa kanbun era 1661~1673)

Swordsmith: BUSHU JU FUJIWARA NO HIROSHIGE (武州住藤原広重) Length: 71.2cm Curvature: 1.6cm Hamon: Midare Gunome with beautiful nie (wavy temper line with crystals) Certificate: Tokubestu Kicho (Sword designated as Especially Precious by the Society for the Preservation of the Japan Art Sword) Included: Koshirae, shirasaya (magnolia scabbard), silk carry bag, sword stand, maintenance kit, printed care guide, exportation paperwork

¥1,200,000 On sale!  ¥1,100,000 ($13,750)

Behold a classic Kanbun katana in the early Edo period, where the blade gradually tapers to a point. With a blade length of more than 70cm, signed and in its original condition makes this sword very collectible.

The fine Edo-period elements of the koshirae, features a fuchigashira (collar and pommel) signed by 埋忠重義 (Umetada Shigeyoshi). The bow and arrow are set in gold and on an base.

Umetada Shigeyoshi of the Umetada school in Musashi (modern-day Tokyo and Saitama) was a skillful sword-fitting maker and held in high esteem. Swordsmith Hiroshige, also from Musashi, makes this sword and mounting a fine partnership.

The menuki (ornamental grips under the silk handle) are of dragons bringing power and good fortune to the sword.

The tsuba (guard) features waves and the moon. The symbolism of these elements says that once you are on waves, you will receive good luck.

4 A SHINSHINTO KATANA unsigned, late edo period (circa 1850)

Length: 73.0cm Curvature: 2.1cm Hamon: Suguha (straight) and Ko-midare (small peaks of waves) Included: Koshirae (complete sword mountings), silk carry bag, sword stand, maintenance kit, printed care guide, registration and all exportation paperwork

¥545,000 On sale!  ¥499,000 ($6,237)

Awesome katanas such as this one were produced in an attempt to protect their land effectively from imminent foreign attack.

The hamon (temper line) of this formidable piece is a mixture of straight suguha, and several beautiful tiny waves appear when drawn to the light.

This katana was made at the time when the Samurai were fighting for survival over 150 years ago, sword makers in the later parts of the 19th century produced katanas that were designed to fend off the most towering opponent.

A gold-colored silk hilt and other quality koshirae mounts make up this very enviable example from the Shin-shinto period.

5 A MASAIE signed, mid-late muromachi (circa 15th-16th century)

Swordsmith: Mihara Ju Masaie (三原住正家) Location: Mihara (Bingo province, Hiroshima area) Length: 51.5cm Curvature: 0.8cm Hamon: Combination of Chusuguha with Nie and Komidare. Koashi and Uchinoke Certificate: Kicho (Sword designated as precious by the Society for the Preservation of the Japan Art Sword) Included: Certificate, Koshirae, shirasaya, silk carry bag, sword stand, maintenance kit, printed care guide, DVD, registration and all exportation paperwork

¥600,000 On sale!  ¥560,000 ($7,000)

The Mihara school in Bingo province (modern-day Hiroshima area), was founded by master swordsmith Masaie. Their workmanship was heavily influenced by the Yamato tradition, which has a 1000-year-old history, originating in Nara.

This signed Masaie wakizashi was made by a succeeding generation of Masaie that carried on the family name about 500 (or more) years ago.

The sword is blessed with a beautiful set of koshirae mounts all driven around a dragon-inspired theme.

(left) The tsuba in this piece is referred to as being a “4 lobed Mokko”. The name is derived from the cross section of the tree melon.

The influential Oda Daimyo Family Clan had a Mokka kamon (family crest).

6 A KANEMUNE WAKIZASHI signed, end of muromachi (circa 1532-1555)

Swordsmith: Yamato no Kuni Kanemune (大和国包宗) Location: Unknown Length: 48.9cm Curvature: 0.8cm Hamon: Gunome Midare (circular waves) with Sunagashi(sand streaks) and Kinsen Jihada: Masame (straight grain – typical of Yamato tradition workmanship) Certificate: NBTHK Hozon (A sword designated worthy of conserving by the Society for the Preservation of the Japan Art Sword) Included: Certificate, Koshirae, shirasaya, silk carry bag, sword stand, maintenance kit, printed care guide, DVD, registration and all exportation paperwork

¥625,000 On sale!  ¥570,000 ($7,125)

According to the Toko Soran (book of swords), swordsmith Kanemune belonged to the infamous Yamato Tegai school. He worked in the Tenbun Era (1532-1555).

On the NBTHK Hozon certificate, it reads "Shinto", which is a term technically reserved for swords that are made after 1600. However, the Tenbun Era is around the end of and when examining the beautiful rusty state of the nakago (tang), this is obviously a sword closer to 500 years old (Koto sword).

An important point to observe on this sword is where the hamon (temper line) originates at the bottom of the blade. For about 5 or 6 cm, the hamon is suguha (straight), and then extends into a fantastic wavy midare hamon.

This unique hamon is referred to as a suguha yakidashi. Typically, the expression is used to refer to Shinto (thus Shinto is written on the certificate). The fuchi-gashira (collar/pommel) is of Shakudo (gold ) Japanese plum flowers. The menuki (ornamental grips) features a horse, plants and flowers for a healthy life.

7 A JUMYO (LONG LIFE) WAKIZASHI signed, mid-edo period (circa 1780)

Swordsmith: Jumyo School Smith Length: 51.7cm Curvature: 0.8cm Hamon: Gunome (wavy temper line) Included: Koshirae (complete sword mountings), silk carry bag, sword stand, maintenance kit, printed care guide, DVD, registration and all exportation paperwork

¥500,000 On sale!  ¥450,000 ($5,625)

Their unique name, Jumyo, means life span or longevity. As it’s meaning is so hopeful, their swords were prized as celebrated gifts to Daimyo (great) families amongst the Samurai society.

What makes this over 200 year-old wakizashi is that it is signed with the characters, 寿命 (Jumyo) on the tang. Authentication of this signature can be done with an NBTHK application if desired.

It’s koshirae (mounting) is truly first class. Behold the finely handcrafted powerful dragon menuki (eyelets under the silk handle), absolutely stunning.

The tortoise shell pattern on the very old and meaty tsuba (guard) is symbolic for a long life. The tsuba (guard) is also signed by Nobuie (1596-1615).

The wavy gunome hamon (temper line) puts a finishing touch on such a gorgeous sword.

8 A TSUGUHIRO WAKIZASHI signed, early edo period (circa kanbun era: 1661-1673)

Swordsmith: Omi no Kami Fujiwara no Tsuguhiro (近江守藤原継広) Location: Signed Echizen (Fukui prefecture) Length: 53.1cm Curvature: 1.4cm Hamon: Gunome Midare (random wave temper line) Certificate: NBTHK Hozon (A sword designated worthy of conserving by the Society for the Preservation of the Japan Art Sword) Included: Koshirae (complete sword mountings), shirasaya (magnolia wood scabbard), silk carry bag, sword stand, maintenance kit, printed care guide, DVD, registration and all exportation paperwork

¥580,000 On sale!  ¥525,000 ($6,562)

This extra long 350 year-old wakizashi was expertly crafted and signed by Tsuguhiro who belonged to the Fujiwara clan in the Echizen region on the Sea of Japan.

The blades overall balance is sublime – notice how the base of the sword is thick and gradually tapers to the tip, this is a prominent feature of swords made during the Kanbun Period, circa 1673-1681.

The sword’s bold gunome midare (wavy temper line) and a red celebratory koshirae mounting for good luck compliment this sword wonderfully well.

As this sword was made in Echizen, one of our finest Echizen-made kitchen from our collection will be included with this sword.

9 A DOTANUKI CRAB CLAW WAKIZASHI signed, late edo period (circa tempo era: 1830-1843)

Swordsmith: Dotanuki Munehiro (同田貫宗広) Location: Higo no Kuni (Kumamoto prefecture) Length: 53.6cm Curvature: 1.2cm Hamon: Kani-tsume-ba midare (wave temper line with crab claws) Certificate: NBTHK Hozon (A sword designated worthy of conserving by the Society for the Preservation of the Japan Art Sword) Included: Koshirae (complete sword mountings), shirasaya (magnolia wood scabbard), silk carry bag, sword stand, maintenance kit, printed care guide, registration and all exportation paperwork

¥555,000 On sale!  ¥485,000 ($6,062)

Looking closely at this very admirable hamon (temper line) one will notice many crab claws skillfully crafted that were formed out from the process.

Pockets of rich nie (visible crystals) form an energetic wave splashing the length of the near 200-year old blade.

The renowned Dotanuki school was located in Higo no Kuni, which is modern day Kumamoto prefecture in Kyushu.

The school has roots that can be traced to the Enju school - dating back as far back as the Kamakura era (14th century).

This is a stunning wakizashi from a respected school at a very reasonable price.

10 A KAGA ZOUGAN WAKIZASHI unsigned, late muromachi - early edo (circa 1550~1630)

Length: 52.7cm Curvature: 1cm Hamon: Suguha (straight) and Gunome (wavy) Included: Koshirae (complete sword mountings), silk carry bag, sword stand, maintenance kit, printed care guide, registration and all exportation paperwork to home country

¥410,000 On sale!  ¥399,000 ($4,988)

This is a 400-year old sword blessed with a beautiful set of koshirae (mounts).

The tsuba (guard) is made by a technique known in Japan as ‘Kaga zougan’ – or damascening. It is the art of inlaying different metals into one another—typically, gold into a darkly oxidized steel background to produce intricate patterns.

The technique has a long history in Kaga or present-day Kanazawa prefecture.

What gives this wakizashi tremendous character is the very rare intricately carved depiction of Susano-o on the saya (scabbard . Susano-o is the Japanese Shinto god of the sea and storms. He is protecting this sword with all his legendary power and might.

The menuki under the silk tsuka (handle) are of shisa lions, which bring the owner good luck and wards off evil spirits which one can find at Japanese shrines.

This is a marvelously old sword that has been well maintained throughout its lifetime within prominent Samurai families.

11 A YAMATO TEGAI WAKIZASHI unsigned, kamakura - nambokucho period circa. 14th – 15th century, (600~700 years old)

Swordsmith: A Yamato Tegai School Smith Length: 46.4cm Curvature: 1.2cm Hamon: Suguha (a classic straight temper line) Certificate: NBTHK Tokubestu Kicho (A sword designated as especially precious by the Society for the Preservation of the Japan Art Sword) Included: Koshirae (complete sword mountings), shirasaya (magnolia wood scabbard), silk carry bag, sword stand, maintenance kit, printed care guide, DVD, registration and all exportation paperwork

¥500,000 On sale!  ¥449,000 ($5,613)

This is one of the oldest swords in our collection, an absolute treasure made over 600 years ago. It was once a long katana, but was shortened to a wakizashi length.

The Tegai School in the Yamato tradition crafted this particular wakizashi. The name of the school originated from the Tegaimon (gate) of Todaiji temple in Nara. The smiths lived in the temple town.

The Tegai school was founded in the late by Kanenaga and ceased to be active at the end of the Nambokucho period (circa 1392). For purists, a Yamato sword is one to cherish. Swords made over generations in this tradition share a tremendous amount of commonality.

They were pioneers, and given the fact large, powerful temples in Nara provided the majority of funds to smiths, there is a strong spiritual element to the tradition.

12 AN IESUKE UTSURI WAKIZASHI signed, kamakura - muromachi period

Length: 49.2cm Curvature: 1.3cm Hamon: Midare gunome (wavy circles) with choji (cloves) and a lots of utsuri! Jihada: Itame nagare (rolling grain) and masame (straight grain) Included: Edo period koshirae, silk carry bag, sword stand, maintenance kit, printed care guide, exportation paperwork

¥535,000 On sale!  ¥475,000 ($5,937)

According to encyclopedias, the two-character signature 家助 (Iesuke) was signed by swordsmiths that lived in Bunei Era (1264-1274) and Ouei Era (1394-1427).

There was also a swordsmith with a longer signature that incorporated Iesuke known as Bizen Osafune Iesuke – who lived in the Tenbun Era (1532-1555). As this is a wakizashi, it’s possible that he shortened his signature to two characters.

Given the quality of craftsmanship, and the curvature of the blade pronounced in the bottom portion of the blade (known as koshi-zori) it’s likely to be 600, possibly over 700 years old.

This sword is a good candidate for submission to the NTHK or NBTHK (Society for the Preservation of the Japan Art Sword).

As the sword does not come with certification (yet), the asking price for this Japanese sword is very reasonable for it’s quality and obvious age.

13 A HEIANDO JU NORISADA WAKIZASHI signed, edo period (circa kanei era: 1624-1645)

Swordsmith: Heiando Ju Norisada (平安城住則定) Location: Mikawa (Eastern part of Aichi prefecture) Length: 54.6cm Curvature: 1.4cm Hamon: Gunome Midare (random waves) Certificate: NBTHK Kicho (A sword designated as precious by the Society for the Preservation of the Japan Art Sword on Showa 37 (1962) – strict guidelines) Included: NBTHK certificate, koshirae, silk carry bag, sword stand, maintenance kit, printed care guide, DVD and exportation services

¥435,000 On sale!  ¥397,000 ($4,963)

Norisada was a respected swordsmith, following the Yamashiro tradition of sword making that has its roots in .

Norisada hails from the lovely province of Mikawa (eastern part of Aichi prefecture) that has an illustrious history of Samurai clans dating back to the Heian period (794- 1185).

This long near 400 year-old wakizashi has a wavy gunone hamon (temper line) and a fairly strong curvature to it. Swords made later in the 1600s tended to be straighter, so this piece reflects blades made in the Muromachi period (1500s).

Interestingly, the fuchi (collar) mounting features a kirimon – a paulownia flower seal used by the Cabinet of Japan on official documents.

The menuki (ornament under the silk thread) is a silver Daruma, who represents Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen Buddhism. Daruma is known in Japan for his tremendous persistence to never, ever give up on life goals.

A gorgeous tsuba (guard) with much adored peonies caps off this stunner.

14 A MOMIJIGARI TANTO signed, muromachi period (circa. 15th – 16th century, 500-600 years old)

Length: 17.8cm Curvature: 0cm Hamon: Notare (long waves), Sunagashi (looks like streaks of sand on a river), Yubashiri (concentrated spots of nie crystals), and Kinsuji (shiny black line in the hamon) Jihada: Masame (straight grain folding) Included: Koshirae, silk carry bag, sword stand, maintenance kit, printed care guide, DVD, registration and all exportation paperwork

¥395,000 On sale!  ¥355,000 ($4,444)

Here is a splendid (and rather mysterious) example of the Soshu tradition pioneered back in the late 1200s by Masamune in the Kamakura region.

This tanto reads もみじがり (Momijigari) on one side and まさむね (Masamune) on the back of the nakago (tang).

The shirasaya (magnolia scabbard) is further signed (Sayagaki) and reads 相州住綱広 (Soshu Ju Tsunahiro), 5 Sun 8 Bu (the traditional measurement of the blade).

The theory here is that swordsmith Tsunahiro paid homage to the influence of the greatest of all sword makers (Masamune), and signed the piece as Momijigari.

“Momijigari” means appreciating the turning of the maple tree leaves in autumn.

In the same spirit Ohanami (appreciating the sakura blossoms), it was popular to observe the maple trees change color by the Yoshino River in the fall.

Maple leaves would fall on river, turning the water into a flowing canvas of color.

15 A SUKESADA WAKIZASHI signed, late muromachi period (circa. 1500-1550)

Swordsmith: Bishu Osafune Sukesada Location: (present day ) Length: 37.4cm Curvature: 0.8cm Hamon: Hitatsura (a rare full temper with spots of tobiyaki) Included: Koshirae, silk carry bag, sword stand, maintenance kit, printed care guide, registration and all exportation paperwork

¥476,000 On sale!  ¥430,000 ($4,963)

The Sukesada family name spans an impressive 60 generations in Japan’s history of sword making.

This wakizashi, which is about 450 years old, features an unmistakable hitatsura hamon (spotted temper line) that is achieved by forging at extremely high temperatures.

This also helps to make the sword very sharp and stunningly beautiful.

The koshirae (mounting) features a rare tsuka (handle) made out of oak or a related hard wood. The aikuchi (openings) are made out of cow horn.

The menuki (ornamental grips) are a design of pine leaves and spiders, which is very unusual.

This sword has a very good chance to pass signature authenticity as it is formed in classic Sukesada fashion.

16 A KUNIYASU TANTO signed, edo period (circa enpo era: 1673-1681)

Swordsmith: Buko Jouka Kuniyasu (武江城下国保作之) Length: 9 Sun 1 Bu Hamon: Chu Suguha with lots of Nie (straight packed with tiny crystals) Certificate: NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho (A sword designated as especially precious by the Society for the Preservation of the Japan Art Sword) Included: NBTHK certificate, koshirae, silk carry bag, sword stand, maintenance kit, printed care guide, DVD and exportation services

¥520,000 On sale!  ¥468,000 ($5,850)

Crafted in the classic Yamato tradition, this is one very special tanto by swordsmith Kuniyasu made about 350 years ago.

Kuniyasu's was originally known as Dewa no Kami Fujiwara no Kuniyasu. He is from Yamato (Nara) and was related to the Kanenaga school. He then moved to Edo (Tokyo) in Enpo Era (late 1600s) where traditional Samurai ethics flourished.

This sword was registered with this koshirae mounting on the 26th of Showa (1951), which only swords from great Daimyo families were invited.

All clasps are original. The fuchi-kashira (collar and pommel) is signed by Akao Yoshitsugu and made to a formidable standard. You’ll be able to see peonies, shisa lions (dogs), which ward off evil spirits as they do at Japanese shrines.

The tsuba (guard) features a koi (carp) swimming up a waterfall. Legend had when a dragon comes to earth from heaven, the dragon changes his appearance into a koi fish. Thus this koi embodies the very spirit of a dragon.

Look for the lovely oversized ray fish node on the tsuka (hilt)!

17 A NOBUTAKA TANTO signed, keicho shinto period (circa 1596-1615)

Swordsmith: HOUKI NO KAMI NOBUTAKA Location: Owari province (present day Aichi prefecture) Length: 20.0cm Curvature: 0cm Hamon: Suguha with Ko-Ashi Included: Koshirae, shirasaya, silk carry bag, sword stand, maintenance kit, printed care guide, DVD, registration and all exportation paperwork

¥528,000 On sale!  ¥450,000 ($5,625)

This is a very high-class Samurai tanto made 400 years ago when the Edo Period just formed in Japan.

Houki no Kami Nobutaka, chairman of the Seki Swordsmiths Association, was the personal swordsmith of Owari Tokugawa Shogun family.

This Samurai tanto that is remarkably thick, built to penetrate armor. Complimenting the power of the piece is a Higo Zougan koshirae that elegantly secures the piece. The saya (scabbard) features crushed blue shells, which are decorated layer-by-layer with Japanese lacquer.

The shakudo kozuka (paper ) is signed by 志津三郎兼氏 (Shitsu Saburou Kaneuchi), a well-known sword-fitting craftsman.

18 A SAMURAI SCROLL TANTO unsigned, end of edo period (19th century)

Length: 18.8cm Curvature: 0.4cm Hamon: Kogunome with Ashi (small waves with extending legs) Included: Koshirae, silk carry bag, maintenance kit, printed care guide, DVD and exportation services

¥300,000 On sale!  ¥270,000 ($3,375)

Here is a very interesting Samurai tanto made about 150 years ago.

The blade features an eye-catching hamon (temper line) that waves the length of the piece. This type of hamon was quite popular towards the close of the Edo period in the 19th century.

The koshirae (mount) features a floral-designed kashira (pommel) and clouds for the fuchi (collar). The tsuba (guard) is small and quaint.

On the front of the sword, you’ll see a Samurai (or perhaps a Daimyo Lord?) running. On the back, a scroll can be clearly seen nestled in the hilt.

The connection between the Samurai and the scroll is not entirely understood, but an educated guess would be reflective of the final days of the Edo Period.

The scroll depicts the battle strategy and the Samurai fighting the years before the Restoration, when Japan opened up its doors to the world.

This is a real conversation piece.

19 A MUSASHI DAIJO KOREKAZU KATANA signed, edo period (circa shoho era: 1644-1648)

Location: Musashi, Edo (Tokyo) Length: 68.7cm Curvature: 1.8cm Hamon: Daichoji Midare (large waves and cloves) Certificate: NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon (A sword especially worthy of preserving issued by the Society for the Preservation of the Japan Art Sword) Included: Vintage koshirae, shirasaya (magnolia scabbard), silk carry bag, sword stand, maintenance kit, printed care guide, DVD and exportation services

¥3,200,000 On sale!  ¥3,100,000 ($38,750)

Korekazu was one of the very greatest swordsmiths during the Shinto era (16th to 17th centuries). Korekazu was a member of the Ishido school and eventually became the finest swordsmith of the Edo Ishido school about 350 years ago.

The Ishido School originated at the Sekido Temple in Omi Province around the Kanei period (1624). From there the smiths went to various sections of the country to found branch Ishido schools.

Some went to Kii Province and came to be known as the Kishi Ishido. Later Tameyasu led this group to Osaka. Others went to Edo, the most famous of these being Ishido Musashi Korekazu who forged this sword.

The Ishido school smiths were best known for their ability to make swords in the Bizen tradition of the Ichimonji School. They were well known for their hamon, which was a robust choji midare, which sometimes reached the shinogi.

A spectacular koshirae (~400 years old) mounts this ultimate katana.

20 A HIZEN KAWACHI NO MASAHIRO KATANA signed, edo period (kanbun era, circa 1661-1673)

Location: Hizen province (present day Saga prefecture) Length: 70.5cm Curvature: 1.4cm Hamon: Gunome Midare with Choji Certificate: NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon (A sword worthy of preserving issued by the Society for the Preservation of the Japan Art Sword) Included: Koshirae, Shirasaya (magnolia scabbard), silk carry bag, sword stand, maintenance kit, printed care guide, registration and all exportation paperwork

¥2,520,000 On sale!  ¥2,400,000 ($30,000)

Masahiro was prolific at the gunome hamon (wavy semi circled temper line) with choji (clove designs) even though majority of Hizen swordsmiths from Kyushu were famous for their suguha (straight temper line) works.

This is a classic Kanbun Shinto sword in every respect where the blade tapers nicely to the point at a length of 70cm. It was made about 350 years ago.

Accompanied by a certificate of registration as a Tokubetsu Hozon Token [Sword especially worthy of preservation].

Born in 1607 Masahiro was the son of Yoshinobu, first named Sadenjiro and then Yashichibei. He worked originally as a sword smith under the name Masanaga. He signed with the name Masahiro from 1625, and given the title Kawachi Daijo in 1628.

He died in 1665 at the age of 59. Several generations with the name Masahiro followed, the second and third also being entitled Kawachi Daijo.

The outstanding koshirae (mounting) to this sword tells many stories. The tsuka (hilt) is made from a whale, which is very rare.

21 AN OSAFUNE SUKESADA KATANA signed + dated, 17th of eisho (February 1520)

Location: Bizen province (present day Okayama prefecture) Length: 63.3cm Curvature: 2.4cm Hamon: Gunome Midare Certificate: NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho (Both sword AND koshirae designated especially precious by the Society for the Preservation of the Japan Art Sword) Included: Koshirae, Shirasaya (magnolia scabbard), silk carry bag, sword stand, maintenance kit, printed care guide, registration and all exportation paperwork

¥2,400,000 On sale!  ¥2,300,000 ($28,750)

The desired Sayagaki (sumi-e writing on Shirasaya attesting to authenticity) was written by Honami Sensei from 6th of Heisei (1994) reads: "This sword was made by the first generation of 彦兵衛祐定 (Hikobei Sukesada) in his later years.”

Hikobei is Sukesada’s given name, and Bishu Osafune Sukesada is the name he was known as a swordsmith 500 years ago.

The koshirae (mounting) is certified as especially precious. The tsuba (guard) is made out of iron and its design represents the good fortunes of Shougatsu (Japanese New year).

The fuchi (collar) and menuki (ornamental grips) are expertly crafted depictions of seashells.

A powerful gunome midare hamon (large wavy white hamon) evokes the feelings and power of the ocean.

22 A TANTO signed, muromachi period (500-600 years old)

Swordsmith: Yoshimitsu (吉光) Length: 21.3cm Curvature: Uchizori (inward curving) Hamon: Kogunome with Sunagashi (small semi-circular waves with streaks of sand in the temper line) Included: Shirasaya, silk carry bag, sword stand, maintenance kit, printed care guide, DVD and exportation services

¥350,000 On sale!  ¥320,000 ($4,000)

There are about twenty swordsmiths in the Koto period (circa 1000 – 1600) that signed swords as 吉光 (Yoshimitsu), so pinpointing this tanto to the actual Yoshimichi with absolute certainty is essentially impossible.

It is our opinion that the most likely swordsmith is 土佐吉光 (Tosa Yoshimitsu) from the Muromachi period – forged about 500 years ago.

It must be said that if this sword were attributed to the great swordsmith Awataguchi Yoshimitsu, then the value of the piece would skyrocket. Awataguchi Yoshimitsu regarded in the same league as Masamune in Kamakura period.

As the sword has not yet been reviewed by either the NTHK or NBTHK, this tanto is being offered at a very reasonable price.

Making a custom koshirae (mount) to house this sword to your taste would be a highly recommended project.

23 A BIZEN TAKAMITSU WAKIZASHI signed, late muromachi period (eisho era: 1504-1520)

Swordsmith: Bizen kuni Ju Osafune Takamitsu (備前国住長船貴光) Location: Bizen province (present day Okayama prefecture) Length: 58.8cm Curvature: 2.1cm Hamon: Gunome Choji with Kani no Tsume (waves with crab claws) Included: Koshirae, shirasaya, silk carry bag, sword stand, maintenance kit, printed care guide, DVD and exportation services

¥558,000 On sale!  ¥455,000 ($5,687)

500 years ago, during the Late Muromachi period saw the ri se of Katate-uchi, swords such as this one, meant for one-handed use on the battle field featuring a heavy curvature.

Brutal fighting existed in the Sengoku Jidai at the end of the 16th century that culminated in the dawn of the Edo Period in around 1600.

Although this sword is technically registered as a wakizashi, this was most definitely a katana, originally crafted at a length of approximately 62cm.

Takamitsu was a respected swordsmith holding rank with the likes of Sukesada who also excelled in this type of katana. The gorgeous hamon (temper line) that features crab claws is typical of the artistry that defined Bizen sword making.

The Handachi Koshirae (half-tachi mounting) is from Edo period and the length reflects that of a katana too.

Elements of the exquisite mounting include plant and flower designed clasps (for long health) mixed with a dragon menuki (ornament under the silk hilt) and a chrysanthemum-designed tsuba (guard).

24 A FUYUHIRO TACHI unsigned, muromachi period (tenbun era; 1532-1555)

Swordsmith: Jakushu Fuyuhiro (first generation) Length: 71.6cm Curvature: 2.0cm Hamon: Gunome Midare with Choji and Hitatsura and Sunagashi Certificate: NTHK Kanteisho (A sword designated as Authentic by the Society for the Preservation of the Japanese Sword) Included: NTHK certificate, koshirae, silk carry bag, sword stand, maintenance kit, printed care guide, DVD and exportation services

¥1,300,000 On sale!  ¥1,170,000 ($14,625)

Originally crafted as a tachi (a sword meant for battles on horseback), this majestically curved Fuyuhiro katana was made about 500 years ago.

The certificate reads that it was made during the Tenbun Period (1532-1555). The sword carries all the great qualities of a blade forged in the 14th century during the infamous Nambokucho period (1333-1392) and early Muromachi period.

Soshu Fuyuhiro moved to Wakasa no Kuni (currently in Fukui prefecture), which is when he began to sign his swords as Jakushu Fuyuhiro.

The hamon is truly magnificent with semi-circular rolling waves; carrying with it desired elements such as sunagashi (streaks of sand-like patterns) in the temper line.

The koshirae (mounts) are made as a katana set. All clasps are Higo Kinzogan – a type of Damascening from Higo (Kumamoto prefecture).

The kojiri (tip of scabbard) is of a dragon motif, the menuki is a plum tree, tsuba is bamboo and the saya itself encompasses a turtle shell design signifying long life.

25 A HITATSURA WAKIZASHI unsigned, muromachi period (circa 1500-1550)

Swordsmith: Sue-Seki School Location: Town of Seki in () Length: 32.1cm Curvature: 0.1cm tobiyaki Hamon: Hitatsura (a rare full temper with spots of) Certificate: NBTHK Hozon (A sword worthy of preserving issued by the Society for the Preservation of the Japan Art Sword) Included: NBTHK certificate, koshirae, shirasaya, silk carry bag, sword stand, maintenance kit, DVD, printed care guide, registration and all exportation paperwork

¥355,000 On sale!  ¥315,000 ($3,937)

This remarkable 500-year-old wakizashi has a very distinctive look that is called a hitatsura hamon (full temper with tobiyaki spots over the blade). It is a superb example of heating the sword to extremely high temperatures, helping to make the sword remarkably sharp and visually stunning.

This is a technique that was first perfected by the Soshu tradition in the 13th and 14th centuries in the Kamakura area when the great sword smith Masamune lived.

The charming Edo-period koshirae menuki (tiny ornamental grips under the silk handle) are a collage of fern leaves, oranges, and lobsters that represent good fortune and lead to a long and fruitful life.

Mino-province swords were famous for their sharpness and beauty. This is one very enviable sword offered at a very special price.