Japanese Swords & Asian Arts

Nihonto Tanto collection

Nihonto - Samurai sword nr.: Z-1

A special Nihonto DaiSho with Koto blades and very nice Koshirae in top condition.
A very nice Samurai Edo period Koshirae in museum quality and has NBTHK Hozon and Bunka Shiryo Museum fitting certificate. The Katana has NBTHK Hozon certificate and a handwritten old document from 1938 about the sword that was then on display. The wakizashi has NBTHK Hozon certificate.

The Katana (Dai) is unsigned , but attributed directly to the swordsmith and school ; Shimada HIROSUKE (Shimada school, Bingo province), from the late Koto Muromachi period, (ca. 1558). He was a Jo-Jo saku swordsmith and made Wazamono sharp swords. The blade has a nice even Itame jihada and Gunome Midare Hamon with Nie and an O-kissaki. The sword is O-sureage (shortened), has 3 Mekugi-ana and is flawlessly forged. The NBTHK rated the sword as Shimada HIROSUKE directly at the swordsmith and not at the school alone. This blade runs a Bo-Hi and a fine Su-hi. Hirosuke Shimada is a son of Yoshisuke and a swordsmith of the Odawara Hojo Family.
The Shimada school was founded by Yoshisuke during the mid Muromachi period and lasted until the late Edo period. The group of Shimada swordsmiths lived in the city of Shimada, in Suruga Province (present-day Shizuoka Prefecture). Other famous swordsmiths of this school are Sukemune, Hirotsugu, Sadahiro. The first generation of Yoshisuke was active during the Kosho era (1455-1457). It is said that the first generation of Yoshisuke was a descendant of Bizen Ichimonji Sukemune, one of the most famous swordsmiths in Japanese history. The first generation of Yoshisuke served a powerful feudal family called Imagawa. It is said that he received his maker's name from Imagawa Yoshitada. The Shimada school was in contact with other Soshu swordsmith schools who lived near Odawa Castle in Kanagawa Prefecture. The Suruga domain was vital to strong feudal lords such as Takeda, Tokugawa, and Hojo clan during the Sengoku Jidai (Warring State Period: Late Muromachi Period). The swordsmiths in the Shimada school received many orders from these powerful feudal families. The first generation of Yoshisuke mastered excellent craftsmanship and it was passed on to swordsmiths at the Shimada school.

The Wakizashi ( Sho )
as Moroha Zukuri model is also unsigned and attributed to ; KANEHARU, (Mino/Kaga Province) Koto Muromachi period (c. 1532). He was a Jo-Jo saku swordsmith. The blade is in a good polish, Ubu (not shortened) with 2 Mekugi-ana and is flawlessly forged. This wakizashi has a lively Hitatsura hamon with Nie en and Ara-ni and a Mokume-Itame Jihada.
Kaneharu is linked to Naoe Shizu, Kaneyuki's son, of whom the first records are known around 1450. This beautiful Hitatsura Hamon can be traced back to the Soshu style, which also has the influence of the Mino school. The Mino smiths made good cutting swords and were loved by the Samurai warriors.

The Daisho koshirae
The Koshirae are excellent and in museum condition with NBTHK Hozon certificate and a Bunka Shiryo fitting museum certificate awarded to the EDO period (ca 1750) where the F&K and Kojiri are signed. Both Saya's of very good quality and super condition, these are sprinkled with Gold Palm Leaves which gives the beautiful gold glitter effect. The F&K are made of iron from the JAKUSHI School and signed JAKUSHI. The Menuki are exceptionally large and made of Shakudo with gold inlay and a beautiful old patina. Both tsubas are with a silver rim and a representation of the seven wise sagas of SHICHIKENJIN in iron with gold and silver highlights. Both Saya's have signed Shakudo Kojiri with bamboo image, signed: HIROCHIKA. The Kozuka is Shakudo with an image of the Thunder God with Samurai, the Ko-katana is an old bamboo version. Both Sayas also have a Shakudo Kurigata and the Wakizashi also has a Shibabiki Menuki at the end of the Saya. Both mountings has a nice patina what them a old and used charakter gives. This is an excellent special DaiSho with very good blades, and very nice ensuite Koshirae. (both with luxury new ShiraSaya and tsunagi)

Nihonto - Samurai sword nr.: Z-2

This is an authentic Nihonto Japanese Samurai sword.
A special DaiSho with very nice Koshirae in very good condition, both blades in good Japanese polishing and ShiraSaya with Tsunagi (wood copy of the sword itself).
The Katana (Dai) is not signed, (Mumei), from the Shinto period, (ca. 1670/1730). The blade is made in Koto style with an elegant Sori and is very large with a 0-kissaki (13.3 cm). The Jihada (forging pattern) is a clear and regular Mokume Hada with Nioi.

The Hamon resembles a Sanbonsugi or or pointed Gunome Hamon that sits low on the Ha with a regular pattern. The Katana is Machi-okuri (shortened) with 3 mekugi-ana and has no forging flaws. This katana has a thin Bo-Hi that runs just below the Shinogi about 11 cm behind the Habaki and into the Nakago. The blade has an elegant shape (declining towards the Mune) also called the Diamond shape, which is typical for a Nagamaki Naoshi Katana. It is difficult to attribute this sword but conceivable due to the Diamond shape and Jihada in that direction to Yamashiro-Den tradition.

The Wakizashi (Sho) is also unsigned, (Mumei) and from the Shinto period (ca. 1680/1750). The blade is in a good polish and is Ubu (not shortened) with 2 Mekugi-ana and this one also has an O-kissaki (big point) and no forging flaws. The Wakizashi has a Notare/Gunome Suguha Hamon with Nioi. The Jihada is also a Mokume Hada here. Also with this blade the beautiful elegant diamond shape or the Diamond shape. This blade is made in the style of a Koto priode sword, and also possibly from the Yamashio-Den school.

The Edo period Koshirae are excellent with high-quality sword mountings, the Sayas are with polished Same (rayskin) which is of very good quality and beautifully made. The Tsubas are from the Nanban school with Nanako with broken images of monkeys (Senbikizaru) with gold highlights and a steel rim in very good condition. Please have your attention, this mounting is from the Edo period, and the Tsuka-Ito is also so old and the winding is now starting to loosen because the silk band is starting to pulverize, normally silk band lasts approx. 100-125 years if not used much. This DaiSho Tsuka-Ito strap is still too good to be replaced and has its old glory. The F&K are Shakudo with catfish motif and fruit motif on the Kashira in super good quality, the Menuki of Shakudo and its with fruits and gilded flowers, the Kozuka is Shakudo with family weapons such as butterflies (Mons) from the Hiramatsu Clan. The Ko-katana is a contemporary made of brass. The Habakis are of superior quality with a mantle of gold foil and partly openwork, imaginable from the Nanban school. This kind of high-quality habaki is very rare, the tsunagi's also have the Habaki's shape in wood. The ShiraSaya's and Tsunagi's are new (still wrapped with transport film)

This is an excellent DaiSho with good blades, both equipped with an elegant O-kissaki and very nice ensuite Koshirae.

Price Euro 16650,-

Nihonto - Samurai sword nr.: Z-3

This is an Antique Japanese Samurai sword.
A special DaiSho with very nice Koshirae in good old used condition, both blades in very good Japanese polishing.

The Katana (Dai) is Mumei - unsigned, attributed to Mino Senjuin School, NAGAHIRO by the NBTHK Hozon papers, from the Koto period, late Muromachi (about 1550/1570). The blade is very elegant with a Chu-kissaki. The Hamon is a Gunome Midare Hamon with Ko-Nie Deki with Sunagashi and Kinsuji in Hakikake style.
The Jihada is a beautiful active Itame with also Masame and Jinie, Shirake Utsuri can also be seen. The Katana is Machi-Okuri with 3 mekugi-ana. The birth name of NAGAHIRO was FUJITA KANEWARE, and his swords belong to the Jyo-saku ranking.
The Mino Senjuin school started in the Nanbokucho period (1333) until the late Muromachi period (1572). In the early Nanbokucho era the swordsmiths of the Nara province went to the Mino province and there was a mix of Mino and Senjuin influences in which the Mino-Senjuin swords arose.

The Wakizashi (Sho) is signed, Tanba No Kami YOSHIMICHI (Mishina school) (Kyo, 6th generation) late Edo period (ca. 1800) and has HBTHK Hozon papers. The blade is in a very good polish is Ubu with 1 Mekugi-ana and has a Kikumon engraved.
The Hamon is a Niedeki Gunome Midare Hamon. The Jihada is well made and vividly forged Ko-Itame in the Yamashiro style with Ji-nie, with a Chu-kissaki and completely faultless.
In contrast to the earlier Yoshimichi smiths that invented the famous Soshu-den Sudare-ba hamon this blade is in Gunome Midare. Yoshimichi got the title Tamba No Kami and was allowed to engrave the Kikumon in his swords.

The Koshirae are with good quality fittings, the Saya's are very special made in a kind of diamond shape (Roiro Kawarinuri) which is very rare. The Tsuba’s are modeled mount Fuji images on the edge of the tsuba. The F&K, Kozuka and Kogai are Shakudo with dragon motifs in good quality, the Menuki are gold gilded dragons, a wind and water dragon on the wakizashi and katana. The Habaki's are a 2-part one, the wakizashi , and the katana with silver wrapped.

This is an excellent DaiSho with good blades, both with Hozon papers and special ensuite Koshirae

Price Euro 15950,-

Nihonto - Samurai sword nr.: Z-4

This is an authentic NIHONTO Japanese DaiSho samurai swordset.

The KATANA / Dai ;
A Shinogi-zukuri Katana, made in the early Edo period (ca. 1600-1624), Attributed to: Oite Nanki SHIGEKUNI from the Kii / Monju Province, Yamato school ,with NBTHK hozon papers.

Shigekuni (birth name Monju Kuró emon) belonged to the Monju clan of the Yamato Tegai School and was highly ranked as a Saij-Jyo Saku (highest) smith and made Ryowaza mono (very sharp) swords. He settled in Fuchu in Suruga-no-kuni during the Keicho era (1596-1614) and served Tokugawa Ieyasu as one of his swordmakers along with Shodai Yasutsugu and other famous smiths. After Ieyasu died in the second year of Genna (1616), Shigekuni followed the tenth son of Ieyasu, Yorinobu, to Wakayama in Kishu prov. , where Yorinobu founded the Kishu Tokugawa family who became one of the three most important Tokugawa families.
Shigekuni is seen as one of the best swordsmiths from the Shinto era. In terms of skills, Shigekuni and Horikawa Kunihiro belong to the top of all Keicho Shinto smiths. He was a Saijyo Saku smith. (115 points Hawley). His power in producing clear and clear ji and ha was unrivaled among his contemporaries. Shigekuni was known for making long swords and, unfortunately, many have been shortened in later times. We are lucky that Shodai Nanki Shigekuni has left many examples with his personal history, recorded in his signature about where he lived at different times in his life as a sword maker. We find examples such as WASHU TEGAI no JU SHIGEKUNI SUNPU ni OITE KORE.
The sword characteristics of Shigekuni can be divided into two main streams. His background is the Yamato School and he has made many of his swords with classical Yamato characteristics. Because this was the basis of his training for making swords, we see that most of his swords have these classic Yamato characteristics. These works are characterized by suguha hamon such as this Katana, and also ko-midare or gunome, and with a hakikake-decorated boshi that in most cases stops in yakitsume finish without kaeri. Even the few examples where the boshi has a kaeri, the length of the kaeri is very short. The swords of Shigekuni, done in the Yamato tradition, have a striking resemblance at a glance to the works of Yamato Kanenaga and also Shikkake Norinaga.
The other trend in his style was the Soshu school with Masamune and Sadamune as an example. It is a very powerful blade with Bo-Hi and a lot of activity and beautiful Masame/ko-Itame forgingpattern.

The blade has 3 Mekugi ana and is Sureage ( shortened) and unsigned, the Hamon is Suguha with Nie. The Katana has no Kizu or Ware and no forging errors.

The WAKIZASHI / Sho ;
This blade is signed by Hizen Koku Tadayoshi. The maker's name Tadayoshi lasted 10 generations during the Edo period. According to its NBTHK's Hozon certificate, it was made by the 8th- gen Tadayoshi during the Tenpo era (1830-1844). Among other generations of Tadayoshi, the eighth-gen was a renowned figure and mastered a high level of craftsmanship passed down from the previous generations. The 8th generation Hashimoto Shinzaiemon Tadayoshi and is called Ko-dai Tadayoshi. He is the most expert of Hizen sword. All the generations of Tadayoshi served Nabeshima clan, which controlled Saga domain. The 8th-gen Tadayoshi was born as the son of Furukawa family in Saga domain in 1801. He was eventually adopted by the 7th-gen Tadayoshi, and he changed his name to Hashimoto Shinzaemon . He took over Tadayoshi school from the 7th-gen in the 13th year of the Bunka period (1816). The domain acknowledged his skill, and he played a vital role in modernizing the weaponry of Saga domain. In 1850, he was in charge of making a cannon for the domain because of his refined swordsmithing. He died at 59 in the 6th year of the Ansei period (1859). The swordsmiths in the Hizen province worked under the auspices of the Nabeshima clan like Tadayoshi. They produce beautiful blades with Konuka Hada with the blue steel gloss. This Hada is one of the most well-known characteristics of the blades produced in Hizen province. Tadayoshi 8e gen. has 20 points at the Hawley.

THE KOSHIRAE ;
the DaiSho Koshirae is in excellent condition, the tsuka's with white Tsuka-Ito are wrapped with Menuki in Shakudo with gold as an image of flowers and a butterfly. The Fuchi is from the Mino school in Shakudo with gold and floral image, The Kashira is buffalo horn. The Tsuba's are iron with a gilded edge and images of peonies in silver and butterflies. The Saya's are painted with gold paint in very fine details with flowers and insects in super good quality and condition. Price; € 27900,-

Nihonto - Samurai sword nr.: Z-5

This is an authentic Nihonto Japanese Samurai sword.
A special DaiSho with very nice Koshirae in good old used condition, both blades in very good Japanese polishing.
The Katana (Dai) is signed, with NBTHK Hozon papers, from the late Shinto period (ca. 1764), with the Kiku-mon, signed: Sashu Jyu (Orikaeshi) KIYOKATA. The blade is very elegant with a Chu kissaki. The Hamon is a Gunome Midare Hamon with Ko-Nie Deki with Sunagashi and Kinsuji in Hakikake style.
The Jihada is a nice lively even typical Satsuma Ko-Itame with Jinie. The Katana is Machi-Okuri with 2 mekugi-ana where the signature has been preserved by cutting it out and folding it on the other side of the nakago so that the entire signature is preserved.
KIYOKATA lived in the Satsuma province, and his swords belong to the Jyo-saku smiths and are Wazamono sharp. This katana has a Bo-hi and on the other side a double Su-hi which gives the blade a nice look. smiths from the Satsuma province were already active in the Koto era until the Meiji restoration in 1876. i.a. there were the famous smiths like; Masafusa, Masakiyo, Yasuchika and Yasukuni, mostly the examples were taken from the Shosu tradition as this katana is also made. Apparently KIYOKATA has been given the lofty position of being allowed to engrave the Imperial Kiku-mon on its blades, which was quite a privilege and emphasized his quality of forging.
The Wakizashi (Sho) is unsigned, (Mumei) and given the style and the Jihada in the direction of the Aoe school from the Koto Edo period (ca. 1480/1520). The blade is in good polishing with 1 Mekugi-ana and shortened (sureage).v The Hamon is a Niedeki with a low Gunome Midare Hamon. The Jihada is well and very lively forged Mokume that can be clearly seen. The Koshirae are with very high quality fittings, the Sayas are dark green with a kind of tree bark effect, the katana has a Shakudo Kogai and the Wakizashi has a Shakudo Kozuka/Ko-katana. The Tsubas with the sun rising over the sea are like images with gold inlaid drops. The F&K, Kojiri, Shibabiki, Kozuka and Kogai are Shakudo with plant motif in super good quality, the Menuki are parts of the samurai, including a Tenpo rifle, arrowheads and quiver in Shakudo. The Kurigata are made of buffalo horn. The Habaki are a 2-piece with a gilded foil wrapped. In the Kojiri is a Mon or family crest of the Horikawa or the Matsuno family or Clan (the mon is the blooming Gentian).

This is an excellent DaiSho with good blades, the katana has a Hozon certificate and special ensuite Edo period Dai-Sho Koshirae.

Price Euro 18450,-

Nihonto - Samurai sword nr.: Z-6

This is an Antique Japanese Samurai sword.
A signed Showa Katana (1944 ) Gendai with a nice Koshirae and fawless blade with Chu- kissaki in good polish.
This Katana is signed and dated ; Tsugaru-junin Kunitoshi kore o tsukuru, and dated : showa kinoe saru ni gatsu hi 1944.

Kunitoshi was a Showa smith. He made swords for the Japanese army.
The Hamon goes on the entyre blade and is a Ko-Gumome Midare. The Jihada is a coarse Mokume with Itame, the blade has 1 mekugi-ana and is Ubu. The Handachi Koshirae and all parts are in a good condition.
A realy nice fawles very Showa blade and good old Koshirae.

Price: € 3950,-

Nihonto - Samurai sword nr.: Z-7

This is an authentic Nihonto Japanese Samurai sword.
A signed Shinto period Katana (c. 1650/1660) in a good polish with NBTHK TOKUBETSU HOZON paper. Signed;YAMASHIRO KAMI FIJIWARA KUNIKANE, (2nd Generation Nidai), SENDAI from Rikuzen province, Kunikane school with good Koshirae.
This katana is a robust blade with a typical Kanbun Shinto appearance and Sori,
Kunikane 2nd generation can be classified to the Sai-Jo Saku class (highest rank) and made Saijo O-Wazamono sharp swords (superior sharp swords).
Kunikane 2nd generation was born in 1612 and his birth name was Hongo Kichizaemon and was the son of Sendai Kunikane 1st generation. He became the head of the Kunikane clan / family in the 2nd year of Shoho (1645), and on November 12th from Kanbun (1667) he received his title “Yamashiro no Kami”.
He died at the age of 61 in the twelfth year of Kanbun 1672. He is buried in the same cemetery next to his father in Zendo-Ji, Sendai.
The Kunikane blacksmiths have continued the Yamashiro / Hosho tradition from the Koto period with the beautiful Masame Hada. The Hamon was almost always the Suguha with a lot of Nie and Ji-nie, the work of the 1st and 2nd generations differ little, but the 2nd Gen. Has more exuberant Ji-Nie and Ara-Nie which can also be seen in this blade. Also, the 2nd Gen typically has the Masame Ware, this is not a forging flaw or lamination opening, but a kind of Sunagashi which is very clear and sometimes seems to be slightly open. This masame-ware is typical and permissible in the assessment without any points deduction at Shinsa.
Kunikane 2nd Gen. Is highly rated and has 70 points in the Hawley.
This blade is Sureage shortened (and Machi-ukuri) with 3 Mekugi-ana and has no forging flaws or damage. The katana has an active Suguha Hamon in Nie-Deki, the Jihada is the typical Masame Hada with en Jinie and Ara-Nie. The Habaki is made of copper. The Koshirae is of good quality with Shakudo F&K with waves like the Omori school has. The iron tsuba and menuki are gilded birds. the Saya is with dark brown ribbed lacquer with some damage. The Tsuka is with a good brown leather / suede wrapping.

A blade from Kunikane 2nd Gen. Which is highly appreciated and sees little offered with a koshirae in good condition.

Price Euro 28250, -

Nihonto - Samurai sword nr.: Z-8

This is an authentic Japanese Wakizashi Nihonto Samurai sword.

A signed and dated ShinShinto Wakizashi, with HBTHK Hozon paper, signed: Bingo Fukuyama Jyu YOKOYAMA SUKENARI saku (Kaei 6-nen 2-Gatsubi / 1853) the 56th Generation of Tomonari , with beautiful Koshirae and ancient ShiraSaya.
SUKENARI who belonged to the Bizen Osafune tradition from 1839-1858, at the end of the Edo period when 1876 the samurai era finally ended. In the 8th month of Tensho 19 (1591), a flood hit Fukuoka-sho, Bizen Osafune area due to a local downpour, most of the sword workshops were swept away by the flood and the Yokoyama SUKESADA workshop was no exception.
One of the founders Yokoyama Souzaemon SUKESADA reconstructed the SUKESADA workshop in the Shinto period together with his brothers Shichibei-no-jo SUKESADA and Genzaemon-no-jo. Those three SUKESADA brothers prospered again with their sword production during the Edo period.

The swordsmith SUKENARI belonged to Yokoyama Kozuke-daijo SUKESADA school who is a legitimate child of Shichibei-no-jo SUKESADA (the 6th generation of founder Yoso-zaemon-no-jo SUKESADA) and was a student of SUKEKANE. He publicly identified himself as the 56 descendant of Tomonari from the Kamakura period from the 12th century, such as this example as Wakizashi and His Extant Works, known with the date of the year range from Tenpo to Kaei (1839-Ca 1853) at the end of the Edo period. Belonging to the Bizen-den technique, he devoted himself to restoring the ancient works of the legendary ancient swordsmith AMAKUNI Taiho (Ca. 701).
He was also hired to serve for the Fukuyama domain (at the end of his life, this Wakizashi is also signed with Fukuyama and is one of his later works) to meet the increasing demand for swords against problems of foreign unrest among repeated visits from envoys from the outside world to open the country's gates to the world.
Most smiths of the Yokoyama school belong to the Jyo-Saku class and often made Wazamon sharp swords.
Their swords are often striking with the Choji Midare as far as the Hamon is concerned, but also have a very nice subdued Itame jihada. This Wakizashi is Ubu, not shortened with 1 Mekugi-ana, the Habaki is made of copper. The Blade is well polished and has no forging flaws, The hamon is Choji Midare/Gunome with Nie. The Jihada is a well-crafted Ko-Itame with Jinie.
The koshirae is of good quality, the Saya is with black Urushi lacquer, the Tsuka is wrapped with Obergine/very dark red color Ito Bandage. The Menuki are made of brass with a samurai/person representation. The Fuchi is Shakudo with Nanako and Samurai/person representation in gold highlights. The Kashira is made from Buffalo-horn The Tsuba is made of iron with an Oki and an Oni that chases it away during the New Year with gold highlights, all sword fittings are of very good quality and condition.
The Wakizashi has an iron Kozuka with Ko-katana, the Kozuka also has the new year representation with the garlands.

A blade of a special swordsmith that one rarely encounters with a beautiful Koshirae.

Price ; € 3880,-

Nihonto - Samurai sword nr.: Z-9

This is an authentic Nihonto Japanese Samurai Dai-sho sword set.
A special DaiSho with very nice Handachi Koshirae in super condition, both blades in very good polishing.
The Katana is Mumei - unsigned, Koto period (ca. 1450/1500). The blade is very elegant with a Chu kissaki. The Hamon is a Suguha Hamon with Nie, the Jihada is a nice lively Itame. The Katana is Ubu with 1 mekugi-ana and has a small lamination opening ( still not an real open Ware ) in the blade (see photo). Given the sori and the beautiful fumbari, it could be a blade from the Bizen province. The katana can be called as Uchi-katana for the then fighting technique on horseback, a sword that was not too long and which was used with one hand.
The Wakizashi very vaguely still has a remnant of a signature, but it is no longer legible, so I qualify it as Mumei - unsigned, Koto period (ca. 1450/1500). The Hamon is a Suguha Hamon. The blade is in a very good polishing, Ubu with 1 Mekugi-ana, the Jihada is well and lively forged Itame with Ji-nie, with a Chu-kissaki and completely flawless. Also with this blade it could be a Bizen sword because of the nagasa and sori.
The Handachi Koshirae are excellent with good quality fittings, the Sayas are with clouds of pearly gold colored infill. The Tsubas are openworked with aquatic plants such as arrowweed and birds. The F&K, kojiri and semegane and kuchi-gane are of good quality patinated brass, the Menuki are Aoi Mons that were also used by the Tokugawa family. The Kozuka is brass with shakudo vines. Both Tsuka's have a new silk wrapping. Both Habaki's are 2 pieces of solid silver.

This is an excellent DaiSho with good blades and Koshirae.

Price Euro 9980,-

Nihonto - Samurai sword nr.: Z-10

This is an authentic Nihonto Japanese Samurai Dai-sho sword set.
A special DaiSho with very nice original Edo period ensuite Koshirae in super condition, both blades in very good polish.
The Katana is Mumei - unsigned, from the ShinShinto period (ca. 1840-1860). This sword has an Aoi-Mon engraved on it and can be seen as a tachi. This blade can be attributed to the Echizen YASUTSUGU school as YAMATO DEN. The blade is very elegant with a Chu-kissaki. The Hamon is a Suguha Hamon with ko-Nie and Kinsuji. The Jihada is a nice lively even Masame and Itame. The Katana is Ubu with 1 mekugi-ana. The sword has an elegant sori and the beautiful fumbari and no flaws. The YAMATO is 1 of the 5 Goka-den (5 schools from the Koto period) and originated in the early Heian period (ca. 710-1185). Their swords were elegant and modest, but therefore also fragile, which Japan noticed during the two Mongolian raids, but also very sharp ( Wazamono ) and loved for their cutting quality by the warrior monks of that period.

The Wakizashi is also unsigned, so mumei and somewhat shortened, with an NBTHK Hozon certificate and attributed to YOKOYAMA SUKETADA, Shinshinto period (ca. 1850 -1860). Suketada was a student of SUKEKANE and they made the swords in the Bizen Den style with Choji-Midare/Gunome Hamon. The Hamon is a Choji Gunome Hamon in Nioi-deki and Ashi. The blade is in a very good polish and has 1 Mekugi-ana, the Jihada is well and lively forged Itame with Ji-nie, with a Chu-kissaki and completely flawless. The Yokoyama school of smiths also made wazamono sharp swords and were classified in the Chu-Ju Saku class.

The Koshirae is original from the Edo period (ca. 1780/1800) and in excellent condition, not restored with very good quality fittings from Shakudo, with NBTHK Hozon toso green paper certificate. The Tsuba's and the Fuchi-Kashira are signed by TERUHIDE with kao of the OMORI school. (ca. 1780/1800) the Saya's are in the base with black lacquer with clouds / circles of gold-coloured/orange infill. The Tsuba's and the F&K, Kojiri and Kurigata super quality are like the Omori school with waves and water drops in gold. The Menuki are shakudo with rabbit or hare image. The Kozuka is iron with water and birds in gold high-light. Both Tsuka's have black silk wrapping and beautiful old patina and very nice old Same/ray skin. Both Habaki's are gold foiled/plated.

This is an excellent DaiSho with very good blades and excellent Koshirae.

Price Euro 17.280,-

Nihonto - Samurai sword nr.: Z-11

This is an Antique Japanese Samurai sword.
This Wakizashi is signed Yamato no Kami YOSHIMICHI from the Kanbun Shinto period (ca. 1640-1650), with NBTHK Hozon papers. Yoshimichi lives in Yamato provice and ist he 3e son of Osaka Yoshimichi, the blade is gracefull and has a nice powerfull O-Kissaki.

A Gunome Midare with Choji Midare Hamon goes on the entyre blade, with Ashi & Nie. The Jihada is a coarse Ko-Itame with Jinie, the blade has 1 mekugi-ana and is Ubu. The Koshirae and all parts are in a perfect condition and ensuite. The Habaki is a 2 piece one silver foiled, tha saya is laquerd dark green with black like small clouds, the Tsube is Shakudo with very fine Nanako with a gold rim, the F&K and Menuki are Shakudo with Nanako with gold details and Mons, the Kozuka ist a nice one in Shakudo with Nanako with gold high lighted Samurai.

the Sword is fawles and in very good Japanese polish and comes with a beautiful high ranking Koshirae.
A realy perfect outstanding blade and perfect Koshirae.

Price: € 7700,-

Nihonto - Samurai sword nr.: Z-12

This is an authentic antique TANTO NIHONTO Japanese samurai sword.

A hirazukuri on the other side Katakiri-Ba Tanto with NBTHK Hozon paper made in the Meiji period (c. 1868-1880), signed ; GASSAN SADAKAZU/YAMASHIRO (no) KUNI NISHIjIN (no) JYU UMETADA SHIGEYOSHI (Yamashiro tradition , Settsu/Osaka Prov.) MADE TO ORDER with 1 mukugi-ana and Ubu (original length). The Nakago is signed on 3 sides and with various attributions. With original ShiraSaya & Sayagaki, Koshirae and storage box with attribution-Gaki.
Gassan SADAKAZU has made this Tanto with various references to, among others; his father GASSAN SADAYOSHI and his grandfather GASSAN SADAMITSU, then his grandchild SADAICHI engraved on the Mune/Nakago that this tanto was made by his grandfather SADAKAZU. Then the elaborate Sayagaki on the ShiraSaya made by SADATOSHI is the great grandchild as 5th generation Gassan blacksmith turned Mukansa polisher. The Tanto still has the original KIST/BOX with a full attribution in the lid about the Tanto and Signature, accompanied by 4 sword storage pockets.

Gassan Sadakazu was one of the leading swordsmiths of the late Edo period and is listed in many books as the creator of the highest level of the Gassan School. His work is highly regarded by experts in the field of sword study for his incredible skill and ability to master many different styles and as a renowned sword engraver/Horimono. (he is classified as 5.5 million YEN swordsmith) He was born in 1836 in Oumi province Tenpo on November 2 and started making knives at the age of 11 with his father Sadayoshi. He passed some years of the bitter experience of the Haïtorei (sword-carrying and making forbidden). After the decree forbidding the wearing of swords was revoked, he began to make swords in various styles of these Schools; Soshu den, Bizen den, Yamato Den, Yamashiro, etc. Sadakazu became quite famous in his own time and was appointed artist for the imperial court on April 4, 1906 and was one of the few swordsmiths who was allowed to make swords/blades. He died on July 7, 1918 at the age of 84. In this knife we can appreciate the perfect geometry of its complex shape, beautifully flowing Ko-Itame hada, ko-nie deki suguha hamon, abundant nie activities and the precisely cut Horimono, painstakingly done piece by piece. It is a pleasure to study the masterful craftsmanship of Sadakazu and such a special koshirae in ubu condition where he could have made this Tanto for the NAKOMARA Clan/Domain, which the Family Mon on the Saya indicates.

This is a tanto made as a slender Hirazukuri Tanto in a very beautiful mount with all parts ensuite painted with black background and gold lacquer de mons and decorations. The blade has 1 Mekugi ana and is not shortened, so Ubu. no forging flaws and has a good polish. The Hamon is well and tightly made and almost equal on both sides.
The Jihada is a beautiful Ko-Itame Hada with a nice soft shine over the blade. The Habaki is made of copper with a gold foil sheathed as a 2-piece version.

The Koshirae is in good condition with very nice gold paintwork with ShiShi temple dogs and Mons and plants as a motif, The Tsuka has a gold-coloured full Ito winding in good condition, The Menuki are also Shishi temple dogs and gold-plated.
The Kozuka is from Shakudo with fine Nanako and a Shishi is also depicted here.

A beautiful Tanto with very nice and good koshirae.

Price; € 15.890,-

Nihonto - Samurai sword nr.: Z-13

This is an authentic Japanese samurai sword.

An unsigned Koto period Katana with a good polishing with Super Koshirae in gold Nishi lacquer.

I think this katana is Muromachi period (about 1500) the blade is O-suriage, so shortened with 3 Mekugi-ana. The katana is equipped with a deep Bo-hi.

In a first glance it looks like an Echizen school blade, but because there are no papers, the judgment can also be different. The sword is in good polishing and has a narrow shallow Kizu right in front of the Habaki.

The hamon is a Gunome Midare in Nie with Sunagasi and Kinsui, the Jihada is a Ko-Itame. The Habaki is wrapped in thick gold foil with the Japanese rising sun as its motive.

The Koshirae is of very special quality with fish and other sea animals in thick applied Nishi gold lacquer with many details. This mount is from the middle Edo period (1700/1750) and despite the age is still a very good condition. Not 1 cm of the Saya is the same, the many motifs makes the Saya very decorative. All sword fitting pieces are gold gilded and from the maker Moritomo Shige-Aki. The Fuchi-Kashira are signed with a Kao.

The Tsuka is with a luxurious single-wire black winding, with shells like Menuki. The Tsuba has a gold gilded rim and also sea animals and shells as motif.

The whole piece is very special and very high quality which you hardly can find in this exceptional mountings.

Price Euro 14.950, -

Nihonto - Samurai sword nr.: Z-14

This is an Antique Japanese Samurai sword.
This Mumei Katana is attributed to; Koyama Munehira, also called SOUBEI in Japanese or SOKAN (father from Koyama Munetsugu) from the Shin Shinto Bunka period (ca. 1804), with NBTHK Hozon paper. Munehira moves to Kuwana province to make swords for the Daimyo Matsudaire, the blade is gracefull and has a nice shape with Bo-hi from the Koto period.

Munehira belongs to the Jyo-saku ranking with Wazamono sharp swords. He belongs to the famous Koyama school who made very good swords. The blade has much more activity then my pictures can show you, it is very very active.
A Gunome/Midare Choji Hamon goes on the entyre blade. The Jihada is a coarse K0-Itame Hamon, the blade has 2 mekugi-ana and is shortened. The nice real Samurai Koshirae and all parts are in a perfect condition and ensuite. The Habaki is a 2 piece one goldwraped , tha saya is a black Handachi one, the Tsuba is Steel, the F&K and Kojiri are in steel, the Menuki are soft metal with Dragons in gold high lighted details.
the Sword is fawles and in very good Japanese polish and comes with a beautiful high ranking Samurai Koshirae.
A realy perfect outstanding Koyama school blade and perfect Handachi Koshirae and new Shirasaya.

Price: € 8400,-

Nihonto - Samurai sword nr.: Z-15

This is an Antique Japanese Samurai sword.
A very special late Edo Katana with Shirasaya and orginal polish, it comes with NBTHK Hozon paper, Gesigned and dated : Miyatsu Ju Unju TOSHITANE Saku , Meiji 3 nen Aki 8 gatsu Kichijitsu (lucky day in Augustus 1870).

This Toshitane belongs to the Jyo-Saku ranking , he worked in the Tango Miyatsu domain and his born giving name was Cyuzo Ikeda.

He was a Student and working under the master Ishido Uniyu Korekazu who was a very well known sword maker in late Edo period. Toshitanes Hamon and Jigane are very similar to his master.

It is hard to find swords from Toshitane because he was helping his master a lot with making swords for him, so his own production was less. So this blade looks very similar to that from Korekazu.

The habaki is copper. The Hamon is Niedeki Gunome Midare wild Hamon with Kinsuji and Ashi and a Chu-Kissaki. The Jihada is Ko-itame Hada with Jinie and chikei. The Blade is Ubu and has 1 Mekugi-ana. A very nice healthy powerfull blade by 68 cm long in good original polish.

Nihonto - Samurai sword nr.: Z-16

This is an authentic NIHONTO Japanese Samurai sword.
A signed Kanbun Shinto Katana: signed by; Tajima Kami Hojoji Tachibana SADAKUNI . Period is Kanbun Shinto, Edo, ca. 1640-1660 with NBTHK TOKUBETSU HOZON certificate. Mounted in a ShiraSaya.
Tajima Kami Hôjôji Tachibana Sadakuni is a rank as the Jô-Jôsaku esteemed swordsmith who worked in Musashi (Edo) around 1655 (Manji period). He was a smith of the Hôjôji school who was the second swordsmith in skill after Ami no Kami Masahiro in that school.
The Hôjôji school is thought to have descended from the smith Hôjôji Kunimitsu who was one of the Sadamune Santetsu (three outstanding students of Sadamune). Masahiro moved from Tajima province to Edo and founded this school which prospered during the Edo period. Besides Masahiro, the school includes Sadakuni, Yoshitsugu, Masanori, Masateru, Kunimitsu and Kunimasa. As mentioned, Sadakuni was by far the best of these students. It is said that his swords resembled those of Nagasone Okisato (Kotetsu). It is even thought that their school must have had some connection with the Kotetsu school.
Sadakuni is valued in the Hawley with 60 points, and after the founder Masahiro is the most important blacksmith of the Hojoji school where he formed the branch of the KOTETSU school.
His swords are arranged as a Jo-Jo saku and O-wazamono sharp in the Shinto period. The School had an extremely important place in the history of this period.
The Jihada is nicely even and the Hamon is a nice Gunome-Midare Suguha Nie-deki Hamon. The blade is UBU (not shortened) with original length and 1 Mekugi-ana.
The Habaki is of very good quality wrapped with gold foil. The blade is very well polished in Japan by a Mukansa polisher and has no forging flaws.
The Jigane is Ko Itame Hada and nicely even in structure with Jinie. The Nakago has the original length with 1 mekugi-ana.

A super katana in original length from the highly regarded Hojoji school made by Sadakuni.

Price ; € 15750,-

Nihonto - Samurai sword nr.: Z-17

This is an authentic Nihonto Japanese Samurai sword.
An unsigned (mumei) Shinto period Katana in good polishing with NBTHK HOZON paper. Attributed to ; YAMASHIRO DAIJO KUNIKANE , (1st Generation SHODAI ca. 1624/1645), from Rikuzen province, Kunikane school, with a very good Koshirae. This katana is not a typical Kanbun Shinto blade but with a lot of Sori, made as a Koto blade. Kunikane 1st generation can be classified into the Sai-Jo Saku class (highest rank) and made Saijo O-Wazamono sharp swords (superior sharp swords).
This is a sword of Daijo Kunikane is shodai (1st generation). Kunikane lived in Kokubu Wakabayahi (Sendai province, Jôka, a town near the castle of Sendai), and he is said to be the last descendant of Hoshô Sadamune. In the beginning he was Genzô, and this was later changed to Hongo Kichinosuke. On the orders of Date Masamune, Kunikane entered Kyoto to Kyô Etchu no Kami Masatoshi as a student. In the following year, at Genna (Genwa) Gannen Shigatsu (1615 ), the battle of Osaka took place, and Kunikane returned to his workshop and became more skilled at swordsmithing. It is said that in the second year of the same era (1616) he re-entered the school of Masatoshi. He is said to have received the title Yamashiro no Daijô in Kan‘ei Yonen (1627), but this can already be seen in his works by Kan‘ei Sannen in (1626). Therefore, receiving the title must be in accordance with his works. He became a priest in Kan'ei Jûgonen (1638) and was called Y?kei. In Shôhô Ninen (1645) he transferred his business to his chakushi Kichizamemon and retired. He died in Kanbun Yonen (1664) Jûnigatsu at the age of 73. His works have high shinogi, beautiful masame hada, itame hada, komidare hamon, medium suguba hamon with sunagashi entired in the hada, and the bôshi is in the yakizume style.
The Kunikane smiths have continued the Yamashiro / Hosho tradition from the Koto period with the beautiful Masame Hada up to and including the 13th Generation. The Hamon was almost always the Suguha with a lot of Nie and Ji-nie, the work of the 1st and 2nd generations differ little, but the 2nd Gen. Has more exuberant Ji-Nie and Ara-Nie.
Kunikane 1st Gen. Is highly rated and has 80 points in the Hawley and is also called the Masamune of the Shinto time, he made Saijo O-wazamono sharp swords (the best cutting blades) and has the rank Sai Jo Saku (highest possible rank among swordsmiths) .
This blade is Ubu and not shortened with 2 Mekugi-ana and has no forging flaws or damage. On one side of the kissaki near the cut edge, a spot has appeared, possibly due to some dirt in the Saya. The katana has an active Suguha Hamon in Nie-Deki , the Jihada is the typical Masame Hada with and Jinie and Ara-Nie. The Habaki is made of copper with a silver mantle. The Koshirae is of very good quality with Shakudo F&K with dragons in golden details. The Tsuba is also from Shakudo and signed (possibly Ko-Gingo school) with dragons and golden highlights as well as the menuki. Furthermore, all possible extra fittings are parts on the Saya from Shakudo with gilded dragons. the Saya itself is with dark green lacquer inlaid with mother of pearl with alternating black lacquered rings with some minor damage. The Tsuka is with a good old black Ito winding. This mount also has a Kogai and Kozuka (both signed, Masa Mitsu Tomo with Kao) with signed Ko-katana in very high quality, possibly from the Goto school.
A blade of Kunikane Shodai 1st Gen. Which is very highly valued and very rare and little offered with a very high quality dragon koshirae in good condition.
With ShiraSaya and Tsunagi (the Tsunagi was added later, and due never used, gets the Tsunagi not complete into the ShiraSaya Tsuka).

Price Euro 42.250,-

Nihonto - Samurai sword nr.: Z-18

This is an authentic Japanese Nihonto Samurai sword.
An unsigned (Mumei) Koto period (ca. 1450) Nakamaki Naoshi Katana with an O-Kissaki, with beautiful polishing in beautiful Koshirae and ShiraSaya with sayagaki by Mr Tanobe (director sword museum Tokyo), attributed to: SHIMADA YOSHISUKE 1st Generation (Suruga Province of the Shimada school) with NBTHK Hozon papers. Yoshisuke gets 20 points from the Hawley, and he made Wazamono sharp swords. This blade is Sureage (shortened) with 3 Mekugi-ana to make it the Nagamaki Katana version and the signature has also been lost due to the shortening. This Katana is made as Naginata to be used as a lance with a total length of approx. 2.8/3.0 Mtr to keep the opponent at a distance. Also, these Naginata were used to ward off the onrushing samurai on horseback by knocking the horse's front legs away, the samurai fell and the fighting continued on the ground. Beautiful about this Katana is the clear diamond shape of the blade and the short hi on both sides of the blade and the huge Kissaki of 17.5 cm. This is the longest Kissaki I've ever encountered, and I've seen many, many blades pass by.
The Shimada School in Suruga was located along the ?igawa River. The founder YOSHISUKE (family name Gojo) was active in the Kousho era, the mid-15th century and the other makers such as SUKEMUNE, HIROSUKE and YOSHITSUNA MOTOSUKE appeared during the Muromachi period. The Suruga domain at that time had powerful regional warlords of the Imagawa, Takeda, Tokugawa fighting each other. The swordsmiths of the Shimada school often had a symbolic sign on swords or yaris made to meet the demands of those mighty warlords. This Katana has a robust impressive appearance with a mild sori and an even Notare-Gunome Suguha Hamon that clearly stands out against the Jihada. The Jihada is a dense tight Itame in Nie-deki. There are no true or fukure (forging errors). The Habaki is covered with gold foil. The Saya is with black Urushi lacquer as well as the Kurigata and Kaeshizuna (bracket) and Kojiri. The Tsuka is wrapped with black Tsuka-Ito with a beautiful Same as background. And has Menuki in Shakudo with gilded dragons. The Fuchi Kashira are from Shukudo / Nanako with gilded dragons and Shishi temple lions, The Tsuba is also from Shakudo and highly glossy polished with a gilded mounted edge.

This is a very nice sword with super Koshirae with NBTHK Hozon papers in super condition and good polishing.

Price : Euro 14950,-

Nihonto - Samurai sword nr.: Z-19

This is an authentic antique TANTO NIHONTO Japanese samurai sword.

A small hirazukuri Tanto made in the Koto end of Nanbukucho period (ca. 1370-1390), unsigned (mumei) including NBTHK Hozon certificate and attributed as Sue-HOSHO with beautiful Koshirae and ShiraSaya. The blade has 1 mukugi-ana and Ubu (original length). This is a tanto made like a slim Hirazukuri Tanto in a nice mount. The Hosho school is one of the 5 schools of thought (Hosho, Tegai, Shikkage, Taima and Senjuin) within the Yamato tradition. The Hosho school is known for its Masame Jihada, which is very outspoken for the smiths of the Hosho school. It is known that the iron-sand used to forge the Hosho swords was of high quality but also difficult to find. This blade also has the very pronounced and visible Masame hada. The Hosho school was therefore also popular in ancient times and most appreciated by the Samurai who liked to wield these swords. The vast majority of swords are not signed because swords were made for the warrior monks in that period. Well-known smiths from the Hosho school are Sadamitsu, Sadatsugu, Sadayoshi, Sadamune, Sadakiyo, Sadaie, Sadayuki and more. Kunimitsu was the founder ca. 1278 and the school remained active until ca. 1429.

The Hamon is a tight and thin Suguha in Nie Deki. The Hada or Jigane is a beautiful Masame version with Jinie. With pure Masame Jihada blades, Masame-ware can be created during the forging process, but these are not regarded as a Kizu or error, The blade has a good polish. The Hamon is well and tightly made and almost equal on both sides.
The Tanto has a habaki covered with gold foil and the Tsunagi also has the old Habaki, The Koshirae is in good condition with very nice dark red paintwork with black mini specks, The Tsuka has a motif cut into rills and in good condition, The F&K and Tsuba are made of iron with brass, silver and gold-plated inlays. the Menuki are openwork with blossoms in brass. The Kozuka is from Shakudo with leaves as an image, and the Ko-katana is signed with a nice clear Hamon.
A nice little compact Tanto from the HOSHO school with very nice and good koshirae.

Price; € 4890, -

Nihonto - Samurai sword nr.: Z-20

A Kanbun Shinto period (about 1673) Wakizashi with NTHK papers, signed by SHINANO NO KAMI FUJIWARA NOBUYOSHI , Nidai (2nd Generation) from the Yamashiro provincie in a very good polish, the Blade is Sureage with 2 Mekugi-ana, possible that this blade was reshaped for a marine-mount WWII, the Hamon is Gunome Midare with Jiie and Nioi, Kinsei and Sunagasi. The Jihada is Ko-Itame with Jinie and Chikei.
Nobuyoshi lives in the KanbunShinto period (ca. 1673) in Yamashiro Province. He is a Chu-Jo Saku smith and has 60 points in the Hawley. He also lived in Osaka, his real name was Takai Kinsaburo. the kiku Mon was only engraved by the first 3 smith. The blade has a nice Koshirae in good condition.

Price € 5850,-

Nihonto - Samurai sword nr.: Z-21

This is an authentic antique TANTO NIHONTO Japanese samurai sword.

A Moroha-zukuri (diamond shape) Tanto made in the Koto period (ca. 1460/1470), signed with 2 mukugi-ana and Ubu (original length) KANEMITSU (SEKI) (Mino province) with NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon on the blade and NBTHK Hozon for the Koshirae. This is a tanto made as a slim Moroha-zukuri Tanto in a very nice mount with all parts ensuite in silver described in the Hozon certificate. Signed : Kin-Ko YOSHI AKI saku Cho kin MASANAGA Koku. The blade has 2 Mekugi ana and is not shortened, so Ubu. The Hamon is a wild Choji Midare with a lot of activity as Koto have blades from the Seki school. The blade has no forging flaws and a good older polish in a very nice Koshirae and ShiraSaya.
Of the 5 major schools of Japanese sword centers, Mino-den was a late developed school that rose to power in the Mino domain (now Gifu pref.) According to a swordmaker directory Nihonto meikan, KANEMITSU moved to the city of Seki, the Mino domain during the Eiwa era (1375-78) and changed its name to KANE-MITSU to another kanji of KANE. He is said to be the founder of the Seki swordmaker under the patronage of the Kasuga Jinja Shinto shrine. According to Muromachi-ki Mino-Toko-no Kenkyu, the extant work of KANEMITSU with the oldest date of the year is a KANEMITSU signed by Tanto. generations. This blacksmith KANEMITSU is given a rough age from the Bunmei to the Eisho era when he was most active (1450-1520). This KANEMICHI, real name Seijiro, a Buddhist name Ryokei, had moved from Seki to the town of Tsushima in Owari in later life.
The Jihada is a beautiful Itame / Mokume Hada with a nice soft shine over the blade. The Habaki is made of copper with file strokes.

The Koshirae is in very good condition with very nice black paint with family mons integrated in the paint from the ENDO Clan (Chanomi-tea Berry), The Tsuka has a dark green Ito winding in good condition, The F&K, Tsuba and Kojiri, Kozuka and Kogai are made of silver with a plant/bamboo image and a fish-dragon in the water. the Menuki are Shakudo with gold as a floral motif.

An excellent Koto period Tanto with very nice and good koshirae with NBTHK certificates.

Price; € 6490, -

Nihonto - Samurai sword nr.: Z-22

This is an authentic NIHONTO Japanese Samurai sword.

A signed Shinto Katana: signed; Hizen no kuni TADAYOSHI (6th Generation). Period is Shinto ca. 1750/1770 with NBTHK TOKUBETSU HOZON. Mounted in a ShiraSaya with Sayagaki of Mr Tanobe sensai of the sword museum Tokyo.
Sadayoshi the 6th generation, born Hashimoto Shinzaemon in 1736 and died 28 Dec. 1815, was a swordsmith from Hizen province in SAGA. Also the current Saga Prefecture on Kyushu Island. There are some mysteries about this 6th Generation Tadayoshi, his father Tadayoshi the 5th had 2 sons and the youngest was called the 6th Generation. It is unknown whether the eldest son also forged swords, although he did take the smith name Tadayoshi, no direct works of him are known.
His swords are arranged as a Jo-saku and O-wazamono sharp in the Shinto period. The Hizen School had an extremely important place in the history of this period. The Hawley gives Tadayoshi the 6th Gen. 30 points. The 6e Gen. Is higly recomended and rare to be offerd.
The Sayagaki of Mr. Tanobe says this is the best work he's seen from this smith so far, indeed this sword is superbly made, a perfect Hizen Konuga Jihada with the dark/blueish color of the steel and super tight Suguha Hamon. The blade is UBU (not shortened ) with original length and 1 Mekugi-ana.
The Habaki is newly made and of solid silver. The blade is super well polished in Japan by a Mukansa polisher and has no forging errors. The Jigane is Ko Itame Hada also called the Hizen Konuga Hada with a typical blue glow in the steel, nice and even in structure with Jinie. The Nakago has the horizontal filing strokes (yoko-yasurime) and the typical Hizen Tadayoshi round Kuijiri tip.
Then the Hamon is the typical Hizen Nie deki Suguha hamon where the Nie is beautiful to see.
A super katana in original length from the 6th Generation Tadayoshi.

Price ; € 14900,-

Nihonto - Samurai sword nr.: Z-23

This is an authentic Japanese samurai sword.
A very special Shinogi-zukuri Katana from the Kanbun Shinto period, ca. 1661-1681, signed: Musashi No Kami Nagamichi (Musashi/Settsu province) with NBTHK Hozon papers, mounted in a ShiraSaya.
Nagamichi is a direct student of Daijio Kunimichi and made swords in the Kanbun Shinto period in Osaka and Edo.
The Hamon is a beautiful active O-Notare Gunome with lots of activities and is very brilliant.
Nagamichi made Wazamono sharp swords and belongs to the Jyo Saku rank. This sword was made in the Shinto Toku-den tradition.

This is a powerful blade in very good Japanese polishing with 2 Mekugi-ana (the second small Mekigi-ana at the end of the Nakago is made for the mount so as to fight the blade better in his Tsuka fits.) and is Ubu, not shortened, The Hamon is O-Notare with Gunome Midare with Ko-nie Deki and Ji-Nie. there is also Kinsuji to see. The Jihada is a close Ko-Mokume Hada with Jinie.

The Habaki is two-piece with gold foil wrapped in very good quality.

A powerful long blade of a smith that you not see often in perfect polishing in perfect condition.

Price ; € 8200, -

Nihonto - Samurai sword nr.: Z-24

This is an authentic NIHONTO Japanese Samurai sword.

A Shinto ( ca. 1690-1715) Wakizashi with beautiful Koshirae , Signed: YAMASHIRO DAIJO KUNISHIGE , (2nd or 3rd Generation) of Yamashiro Province. in good assembly.
Yamashiro Daijo Minamoto Kunishige is a swordsmith of the Mizuta school and made swords in Edo or Sakushu Tsuyama, but was originally from Bicchu, Yamashiro Daijo Kunishige was called Edo Mizuta, followed the traditions of the Mizuta school and prospered in Edo. The Bitchu Koku Mizuta school flourished from 1530-1700 (the end of the Sengoku period to the middle of the Edo period) in what is now Okayama Prefecture. It lasted until the end of the Edo period. There were about 60 swordsmiths who belonged to the Mizuta school, and Kunishige (of which there were several generations) was the most prestigious swordsmith name that only selected swordmakers were allowed to use in this school. During the Edo period, many Kunishige swordsmiths moved to other parts of Japan.

There were two major groups of Kunishige swordsmiths during the Edo period. One is called Oyogo Kunishige school led by Master Otsuki and the other is called Kono school led by Tameie. Being the younger brother of Otsuki Yogoro Kunishige, this Kunishige belonged to the Oyogo Kunishige school. Yamato Daijyo Kunishige was a prestigious swordsmith. He used Kunishige as his creator's name and received the honorable title (Yamato Daijo). Kunishige has the rank of Jyo-Jyo Saku smith.

This Wakizashi is in good polish and without forging flaws, Hamon is Gunome-Midare with Nioi. The Jihada is Itame with Jinie. The blade has 2 Mekugi-ana, and is slightly shortened or sureage.

The Saya has a beautiful tiger stripe paint in black and red, the Tsuka is wrapped with white Tsuka-ito with a beautiful Rayskin with large lugs underneath. The Fuchi is Shakudo with 2 Mons / Family crests inlaid on it in gold , like a frame of a well or spring. The Kashira is made of buffalo horn, the tsuba is iron with gilded copper inlay as a plant motif. The Menuki are like weasel or rodent motif in Shakudo. The Habaki is made of copper.

A beautiful wakizashi with beautiful mount from the Shinto period.

price Euro 4250,-

Nihonto - Samurai sword nr.: Z-25

This is an authentic NIHONTO Japanese Samurai sword.
A robust unsigned late Koto / early Shinto Nagamaki Naoshi Wakizashi, imaginable from the Horikawa School at Kyoto with beautiful Naginata Hi and Bo-hi, mounted in a very beautiful Edo period Koshirae.
This kind of Nagamaki Naoshi blades were often shortened in the Shinto period from Naginata (pole-arm) with which there was a lot of fighting in the Koto period, to knock the legs of the horse away with the Samurai on horseback, so that the Samurai came to the ground and then was overpowered.
The fighting technique in the Shinto period changed and the major battlegrounds (Muromachi period) were no longer involved and so these Naginata blades were converted into handswords.
This Wakizashi is Sureage (shortened, because the Naginata has a very long Nakago to have enough grip in the lance and could not be knocked over by the opponent), with 2 Mekugi-ana.
The founder of the HORIKAWA school was KUNIHIRO (TEN-SHO to KEI-CHO at the end of the Koto period) He moved to SHIMOTSUKE to make swords at ASHIKAGA Castle, where he supposedly made his two famous NAMBOKUCHO copies for NAGAO AKINAGA . In the period of TEN-SHO, he founded “HORIKAWA school” according to his name. He eventually moved to UMETADA with the School to become one of the main founders of SHINTO. He is known as the father of the SHINTO period.
The Habaki is made of brass with a beautiful gold foil wrapping. The Kling is well polished and has no forging flaws. The Jigane is an Itame Hada beautifully smooth in structure with Jinie. Then the Hamon who is a Gunome Midare with a regular pattern and Nioi. The koshirae is of very good quality, The Saya is painted dark red / brown (restored, newly painted) with Kurigata horn and a metal Kojiri at the end of the saya. The Tsuka is wrapped with dark green single wire Ito (luxury winding) and the Menuki are birds. the Fuchi & Kashira and Kozuga are from Shakudo with baskets and farming tools and a bird resting on it with gold, silver and Sentuku highlights. The Tsuba is made of iron, again with the same representation with golden highlights. The Kozuka is equipped with a good Ko-katana.

A particularly beautiful robust Nagamaki Naoshi Wakizashi with a beautiful Edo period Koshirae.

Price ; € 4900, -

Nihonto - Samurai sword nr.: Z-26

This is an authentic antique TANTO NIHONTO Japanese samurai sword.
A hirazukuri Tanto made in the Shinshinto period (ca. 1780-1850), unsigned (mumei) with 2 mukugi-ana and Ubu (original length).
This is a tanto made as a slim Hirazukuri Tanto in a beautiful mounting with all parts ensuite in iron with brass inlaid. The blade has 2 Mekugi ana and is not shortened, so Ubu. The Hamon is an even gunome and resembles a Sanbonsugi hamon from the Kanemoto school. The Tanto has a kind of leaf in front of the habaki, which is slightly rough and stands up but is not open, and has no other forging flaws and a good polishing. The Hamon is well made and sleek and on both sides as good as equal.
The Jihada is a beautiful Itame Hada with a nice soft shine on the blade. The Habaki is made of copper with filing strokes.
The Koshirae is in good condition with very nice dark red paintwork with clouds as motif, The Tsuka has a new dark red Ito winding in good condition, The F&K, Tsuba and Kojiri resemble Higo school work in iron with brass inlay work. the Menuki are Shakudo with gold.
The Kozuka is made of beautiful patinated iron with poison Ivy as an image, and the Ko-katana is signed.
A nice Tanto with very nice and good koshirae.

Price; € 2890, -

Nihonto - Samurai sword nr.: Z-27

This is an authentic Japanese Samurai sword.
A Mumei Shinto Wakizashi, with HBTHK Hozon paper, attributed to: Uda School TOMOTSUGU (Koto ca. 1532) with beautiful and special quality Koshirae.
The Uda School was located in the Etchu Province where the Ko-uda school started forging in the Kamakura period. The basis is transferred and further used by the Yamato tradition and the Soshu tradition by Norishige.
There have been many smiths working at the Ko-uda and Uda school over a long period of time, such as Kunimune, Tomotsugu, Kunifusa, Kunimune, ect. In the long period that the Uda school was active, they made very many swords.
Most smiths from the Uda school belong to the Jyo-Saku class and mostly Wazamon made sharp swords. Their swords are mostly modest with regard to the Hamon but have a very beautiful and active Itame jihada.
This Wakizashi is Ubu, not shortened with 1 Mekugi-ana, the Habaki is made of solid silver. The Kling is well polished and has no forging errors or flaws.
The hamon is Suguha with Nie. The Jihada is a well-made lively Itame with Jinie.
The koshirae is of good quality, the Saya is wrapped with beautiful Same that is inlaid with red-brown color, the Tsuka is wrapped with cream color thread and the Mekugi is made of silver that are twisted together, the Menuki. the Fuchi & Kashira and the Tsuba are dark red from Sentuku / Yamagane (soft metal) in very good quality. The Tsuba still has an edge of Shakudo.
The Saya also has a Kurigata and Kojiri from horn.
The Wakizashi has an iron Kozuka with Ko-katana, the Kozuka is in the form of a signed Nakago.

A special blade with a very beautiful Koshirae.

Price ; € 3800,-

Nihonto - Samurai sword nr.: Z-29

This is an authentic Nihonto Japanese Samurai sword.

An unsigned (Mumei) Koto era, middle Kamakura period Katana (ca. 1240-1270) in a very good Japanese polish with NBTHK Tokubetsu HOZON paper. Attributed to the AYANOKOJI - Den with an extremely beautiful Koshirae with NTHK Tosho paper 3 times signed OMORI school and ShiraSaya.
The Ayanokoji school is part of the YAMASHIRO tradition, and it is said that Nagamasa was the founder. Among other things, Sadatoshi and Sadayoshi were considered co-founders in the place/town Ayanokoji to which the school also took the name.
The smiths in this school all used a 2 character signature, which included Sukesada, Sadaie, Sadatoshi, Sueyuki and Tadaie. Little is known about the Ayanokoji school and their swords are special as not many survive in families or collections in and outside Japan.
Usual for this school was a Jigane from a mix of Mokume with Itame and sometimes Masame (not in this blade). The Hamon is based on Ko-Gunome, Choji-Midare with many activities like Ji-Nie, Kinsuji and Ashi.
This blade is O-suriage, or shortened with 4 Mekugi-ana. The sword has no Ware or Kizu or other errors. The Ayanokoji school was classified under the O-wazamono sharp swords.
This sword was offered at the Christies auction in London in 2007 and had an estimate between 21,000 and 22,000 Euro (without the 25% auktion surcharge). The sword was then in a poor polish with some spots and scratches and no papers. After the London auction, the sword was sent to Japan for polishing by a Mukansa polisher, new ShiraSaya and certification for the blade and Koshirae.
The sword now has NBTHK Tokubetsu-Hozon and the Koshirae has the NTHK high, 5 judge stamp rating.
The Habaki is wrapped with a gold foil in high quality as a 2 piece.
The Koshirae is of very high quality with Shakudo and dragons and waves in gold high-lights. The Tsuka is in very good condition with a very special Rattan lacquered black winding, The Tsuba is signed: Mori Tokinobu and thick and solid Shakudo with dragon motif in the clouds and a raised rim in gold high-lights. The Menuki are Gilded dragons. the Saya is black Uruchi lacquer with Kirikane gold speckles inlaid and Maple leaves (Japanese Maple) that are in high relief in autumn colors.
The rest of the mount is made of solid silver with gold highlights and from the Omori school and of super high quality and signed; the Fuchi-Kashira = Omori Eishu (Omori Teruhide ca. 1828-1870). Teruhide was the highest master of the Omori school and his works are highly qualified.
The Kojiri is signed; Masahide (a student of Omori Eiman the fifth son of Eisho (Teruhide), who the adopted son Eishu (he later incorporated MORI in his name) was again the Tsuba maker of the Sano family around 1830-1870. He studied under Yanagawa Naotoki and married the daughter and ended up in the Sano Naoteru family.

A particularly well-forged blade of the rare Ayanokoji school with an extremely beautiful koshirae of sublime high quality.

Price Euro 34950, -

Nihonto - Samurai sword nr.: Z-30

This is an authentic NIHONTO Japanese Samurai sword.

An elegant signed early Shinto period Wakizashi with NBTHK Hozon Token papers. Signed ; Bizen Kuni Osafune Ju Fujiwara SUKESADA , Shinto ca. 1650/1670. (Sukesada Osafune school) Mounted in a very nice and good Koshirae, including ShiraSaya with Sayagaki and Tsunagi. (Sayagaki translation: Bizen Kuni Osafune Ju Shichi beeno jo Sukesada).
The Bizen Sukesada school was already very active in the Muromachi period when there was a huge demand for swords during the many wars in Japan. At the end of the Muromachi period, there was a flooding of the river that completely destroyed the school. The part of the Sukesada school that was higher up was spared and continued to make swords. Swordsmiths who worked there include Genzaemon, Shichibei Sukesada, Gengoro Sukesada, Yoso Zaemon Sukesada and more.
Sukesada worked at the beginning of the Shinto period and belongs to the Jyo Jyo Saku class and made O-Wazamono sharp swords, this wakizashi is very well polished. This period was the quiet time when more attention could be paid to the beauty of the sword itself, which can also be seen in the controlled forging of Sukesada.
This Wakizashi is Ubu , not shortened with 1 Mekugi-ana, no forging flaws or Fukure and well polished. The Habaki is made of very good quality solid silver. The Jigane is a Ko-Itame Mokume Hada with many even activities showing a beautiful forging.
The koshirae is of good quality, De Saya is covered with cloth or leather and lacquered in the style of tree bark with horn Kurigata and iron Kojiri of the Higo school. The Tsuka has new black Tsuka-Ito and the Menuki are horses in Shakudo. the Fuchi & Kashira is also from Shakudo with an image of plants and flowers. The Tsuba is made of iron with a beautiful deep patina.

A nice early Shinto period Wakizashi with good Koshirae.

Price ; € 3950,-

Nihonto - Samurai sword nr.: Z-31

This is an authentic Nihonto Japanese Samurai sword.
A signed Kan-ei / early Kanbun Shinto period Wakizashi (ca.1650-1672) in a very good polish with NBTHK HOZON paper. Signed; Izumi (no) Kami Fujiwara Kunisada as 1st generation with very nice Koshirae and ShiraSaya with Tsunagi (70 points in the Hawley).
This Wakizashi is from the famous first generation (Shodai) Kunisada, the father of the very famous Inoue Shinkai, from Settsu province. This 1st generation was active around Kan-ei / Kanbun (1650-1672).
Kunisada 1st generation is also called Oya-Kunisada, which means parent or parent in Japanese. Inoue Shinkai often helped his older father make swords in his early years, which can also be seen regularly in the ironwork and signature.
Born in 1589, Kunisada (in Hyuga province) later moved to Osaka, known as the founder of the Osaka Shinto, he died in 1652. The first generation Kunisada was born in the seventeenth year of Tensho (1589). His hometown was central Kyushu, in Obi-han in Hyuga prefecture. He became a student of Horikawa Kunihiro. Many people believe that Kunisada was actually a student of Kunitomo, one of Kunihiro's leading students. It is also very likely that Kunitomo was Kunihiro's cousin. Like Kunihiro and Kunisada, Kunitomo was also born in Obi, Hyuga.
After spending several years as an apprentice under Kunitomo, Kunisada became independent and moved to Osaka. Another student from Kunitomo.
Osaka was a newly developed city at the time. Toyotomi Hideyoshi started building his enormous castle there in 1584 and it was completed in 1585. Hideyoshi died in 1598 and the lord of the castle became his son, Hideyori. The castle was destroyed by Tokugawa Ieyasu during the so-called Osaka Winter and Osaka Summer campaigns of 1614-1615. The city of Osaka was also destroyed. Hideyori and his mother, Yodo, both committed suicide at the end of the war. The Tokugawa Shogunate then established an office in Osaka in 1619. It was called the Osaka Jodai. At that time they started rebuilding the city and the castle.
Kunisada received the title of Izumi-no-kami in the ninth year of Genna (1623). Since there are examples, such as a sword from 1621 signed "Sesshu Osaka ju Fujiwara Kunisada", we know that Kunisada moved to Osaka before he was given the title Izumi-no-kami. Given the time Osaka Jodai was founded and the date of this sword, Kunisada probably moved to Osaka between 1619 and 1621.
Kunisada worked steadily from 1623 to around 1645. He signed most of his magazines with the May, "Izumi-no-kami Fujiwara Kunisada". Sometimes he used "Izumi-no-kami Kunisada" or "At Osaka Izumi-no-kami Kunisada". Kunzan Honma pointed out that the reputation of Kunisada's work is that even his average products are of high quality (Jyojyo saku). Kunzan wrote that he believed that the quality of Kunisada's average swords is better than that of the second generation Kunisada (Inoue Shinkai), although the latter's best products are more appreciated than the first generation Kunisada.
This blade is Ubu, so not shortened with 1 Mekugi-ana. The Wakizashi has a Gunome Midare / Choji Midare in Nioikuchi, the Jihada is a Ko-Itame with Jinie like the Osaka Shinto Jigane should be. The Habaki is a 2 piece and gold plated in high quality. The Koshirae is good quality with Shakudo F&K with lobster or spiny lobster in gold highlights. the Saya is dark brown Uruchi lacquer with buffalo horn parts. The Tsuka is with a good black winding, with shells like Menuki. The Tsuba is made of iron with a broken pattern of blossom and Mons. A very well forged blade from Kunisada with a good quality koshirae.

Price: € 6750,-

Nihonto - Samurai sword nr.: Z-32

This is an authentic NIHONTO Japanese samurai sword.
A Daimyo mounted Hirazukuri Aikuchi Tanto, made in the Koto-Muromachi period (August 1554), signed and dated: Bishu Osafune SUKESADA, // 8th month Tenbun (24th) (August 1554) of the Bizen School, with NBTHK Hozon papers on the blade. There is also a copy in Japanese of the Mon and the Clan in which this tanto was held.
Sukesada was active in the Bunmei period until the end of the Muromachi era in the Bizen Province. SUKESADA was at that time together with Harumitsu (of which I had a Daimyo-mounted Tanto in 2019) and Kiyomitsu who then made many swords in mass production, given the Japanese era in which there were constant wars and the demand for swords was very high. The Jihada in this blade is Mokume, there is Utsuri. This is a tanto made as a Hirazukuri model. The blade is well polished, dated and signed 2 Mekugi ana and Ubu (not shortened), the Hamon is based on Muneyaki and Hitatsura with a lot of Nie and Nioi and Sunagasi. Sukesada made most Tanto’s in Gunome and few in Hitatsura like this tanto. The Tanto has no serious Kizu or Ware and no forging errors, but a small former rust pit that did not completely disappear during polishing. Sukesada made O-Wazamono sharp swords and can be classified in the Jyo-Saku class.

The Koshirae is of Daimyo / Hofhould quality and in super condition, considering that the Kiri Mon was only reserved for the Imperial Godaigo. Later, the Kiri Mon was also used by Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi to honor their Generals for their merits. The fittings are solid Shakudo and equipped with many Mon's (Family Arms). The Menuki (as Kiri Mon of Imperial Godaigo and several Daimyo) are specially made and on a plate Shakudo (Tsutu-gane), the Mekugi that is only on one side in the Tsuka. and does not go through what is extraordinary is , is from Shakudo. The Tsuka has no Tsuka-ito, but consists of laquered wood. The Saya has a deep dark red paint (Nashiji) in super good condition. The Habaki is wrapped with gold foil and has a high-quality finish. All fittings are ensuite, just like the Kogai with the same Kiri Mons.

A very special Daimyo version of Koto Aikuchi Tanto in super good condition.

Price; € 10950,-

Nihonto - Samurai sword nr.: Z-33

This is an authentic Nihonto Shinsakuto (1987) Japanese Samurai sword.

A signed and dated Shinsakuto 1987 Tachi with large Bo-hi in a very good Japanese polish (Mukansa polish). Signed and dated; Minamoto MASATSUGU, dated 2nd month 1987, made for the YAMATO family in ShiraSaya.
The sword is robust and large as a copy from the Nanbukucho period with Bo-hi and deep Sori. The Jigane as Ko-itame with Jinie who is made super controlled. The Hamon is based on Gunome, Midare with Nie and Coarse Ara-Nie and Fat Niokuchi, and has a deep and wide Bo-Hi running the entire length of the sword.
Masatsugu works in Hitachi province.
His sword-working ancestors worked in the Edo and late Edo period also under this name and were employed in the Hitachi province, his ancestors worked for the Kasama Daimyo clan in the late Edo period.
Unfortunately, very little is known about Minamoto Masatsugu outside of Japan.
He also appears to have received several Nyusen prizes for his work from the NBTHK.
The Habaki is wrapped with a gold foil in very good quality.

A very well forged blade with Bo-hi from a Gendai / Shinsakuto smith made for the YAMATO family.

Nihonto - Samurai sword nr.: Z-34

This is an authentic Antique Japanese Nihonto Wakizashi Samurai sword.
A Mumei Koto period Wakizashi, with HBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon paper, attributed to: Ko-Mihara School (Koto ca. 1314-1387 ) with nice quality Koshirae and ShiraSaya with Tsunagi.
Ko-mihara is the name of a group of swords that lived in Mihara of Bingo Province and flourished around the last Kamakura until the last Muromachi period. Masaie and Masahiro are the representative swordsmiths of this school. Signature points of their swords are shirake-utsuri and a light masame pattern on the jitetsu, hotsure and uchinoke on the hamon and round boshi, although the elaborate style resembles that of the Yamato School and the neighboring Aoe School. The reason why Yamato School influenced this school is that there were many Buddhist temples or Shinto shrines in Yamato Province. The signatures of the Ko-Mihara group (ca. 1306-1356) such as Masaie (founder), MasaShige, MasaKiyo, MasaHiro, ect. often used Bishu instead of Bingo, as Bingo was not well known for sword forging at the time. In later years, in the Muromachi period, Bingo begins to appear in signatures indicating that the smiths who worked in this province gained fame. The Mihara tradition continued through the Koto, Shinto, and Shinshinto periods, ending with Takanobu around 1800.
Most of the works from Ko-Mihara's early period are now unsigned because the swords were made very long in the common Nanbokucho style and then shortened to katana length in the Edo period. As a result, there are very few signed items to be seen today and it becomes difficult to make an attribution outside of school. As such, these swords are usually labeled only for Ko-Mihara rather than directly to one of the individual smiths. Most swordsmiths of the Ko-Mihara school belong to the Jyo-Saku class and mostly made O-Wazamon sharp swords. Their swords are often modest as far as the Hamon is concerned, but they have a very nice and active Itame jihada.
This Wakizashi is O-sureage, shortened with 3 Mekugi-ana, the Habaki is made of copper. The blade is well polished and has no forging flaws, The hamon is Suguha with Nie. The Jihada is a well made lively Itame with Jinie.
The koshirae is of good quality, the Saya is painted with red brown, the Tsuka is wrapped with brown color Ito wire and the F&K Shakudo inlaid with fine gold wire, the Menuki are made of Shakudo with gold inlaid as a tree/branches motif, the Tsuba from iron and has a Maru-gata shape and is openwork.

A special old Koto blade with a beautiful Koshirae and ShiraSaya.

Price ; € 5750,-