This is an exceptional signed and dated katana by Sandai Masafusa of Satsuma province, forged in January 1727. It features a vibrant gunome-midare hamon with prominent imozuru, characteristic of Satsuma work. The blade is certified NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon and comes with an Edo-period koshirae, also NBTHK Hozon certified, featuring stunning Ômori school fittings.
NihontoWatchmei · Satsuma-Shintô · Tenna (1681-1684) · nagasa 71.1cm · sori 1.6cm
Satsuma · around 1681-1684
Fujishiro Jo saku · Tōken Taikan top 63%
For two and a half centuries of peace the sword was the warrior’s legal badge rather than his weapon. Each great city developed its own manner, Edo’s tested strength against Ōsaka’s polished brilliance, until demand thinned in the era’s last decades.
A Hozon-certified blade judged to show notably superior workmanship and a better state of preservation. The bar is higher: re-tempered blades and most unsigned Muromachi/Edo works are excluded.
The NBTHK (Nihon Bijutsu Tōken Hozon Kyōkai, the Society for the Preservation of Japanese Art Swords) is a public-interest incorporated foundation founded in 1948 and supervised by Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs (Bunkachō); it is based at the Japanese Sword Museum in Tokyo. Its expert panels physically examine each submitted work (shinsa) and issue a certificate (kanteishō) ranking it by artistic and historical merit. NBTHK papers are the most widely recognized standard of authentication for Japanese swords and fittings.
NBTHK official siteAll swords come with a three-day inspection period beginning from the date of delivery. If not satisfied, the sword may be returned within this period for a full refund of the purchase price. Outside of this period, all sales are final. Swords purchased on a layaway payment plan are not eligible for the three-day inspection period.
This is an exceptional signed and dated katana by Sandai Masafusa of Satsuma province, forged in January 1727. It features a vibrant gunome-midare hamon with prominent imozuru, characteristic of Satsuma work. The blade is certified NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon and comes with an Edo-period koshirae, also NBTHK Hozon certified, featuring stunning Ômori school fittings.
NihontoWatchmei · Satsuma-Shintô · Tenna (1681-1684) · nagasa 71.1cm · sori 1.6cm
Satsuma · around 1681-1684
Fujishiro Jo saku · Tōken Taikan top 63%
For two and a half centuries of peace the sword was the warrior’s legal badge rather than his weapon. Each great city developed its own manner, Edo’s tested strength against Ōsaka’s polished brilliance, until demand thinned in the era’s last decades.
A Hozon-certified blade judged to show notably superior workmanship and a better state of preservation. The bar is higher: re-tempered blades and most unsigned Muromachi/Edo works are excluded.
The NBTHK (Nihon Bijutsu Tōken Hozon Kyōkai, the Society for the Preservation of Japanese Art Swords) is a public-interest incorporated foundation founded in 1948 and supervised by Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs (Bunkachō); it is based at the Japanese Sword Museum in Tokyo. Its expert panels physically examine each submitted work (shinsa) and issue a certificate (kanteishō) ranking it by artistic and historical merit. NBTHK papers are the most widely recognized standard of authentication for Japanese swords and fittings.
NBTHK official siteAll swords come with a three-day inspection period beginning from the date of delivery. If not satisfied, the sword may be returned within this period for a full refund of the purchase price. Outside of this period, all sales are final. Swords purchased on a layaway payment plan are not eligible for the three-day inspection period.
