This is a fine katana attributed to swordsmith Koyama Munetoshi, the elder brother of the well-respected Koyama Munetsugu.

The sword has recently been polished to a very beautiful state indeed.

The hamon (temper line) has yakidashi (starts off suguha, straight) then blossoms into an eye-catching koshibiraki choji-midare.

Like Munetsugu (and younger brother Munehira), the Koyama brothers aimed to replicate the beautifully distinctive hamon of the infamous Bizen Ichimonji School in the 13th century.

The beautiful koshirae (sword fittings) are as they were from when the sword was made in the late Edo Period. It is not often a case where collectively the sword and fittings are of equal age. The tsuka (silk wrap) around the hilt has been preserved – a small miracle considering it is about 150 years old!

The tsuba (guard) depicts the great Daruma, or Bodhidharma who is credit to have brought Zen Buddhism to Japan 1500 years ago.

Legend has it that the Daruma spent nine years meditating in a cave, staring at a wall because he was refused entry into a Shaolin temple in China.

This tsuba pay tribute to such dedication with an intense gaze that travels through the tsuba itself!

Daruma is synonymous with “persistence” and the Japanese proverb “Nana Koborbi Yaoki” – Fall down seven times, get up eight.

Now loved in iconic Daruma Dolls, today everyone can enjoy lucky Daruma in their homes to help create personal or business goals. Please visit www.welovedaruma.com to discover the Daruma doll.

This sword has two NTHK-NPO Kanteisho certificates (Society for the Preservation of the Japanese Sword) – one for the blade and one for the koshirae. This sword was sold to an American gentleman.

JEG, Pennsylvania
Former US Army officer.

*All photos taken professionally by Eric Bossick for Unique Japan

 

If owning an authentic Japanese Samurai sword is of interest to you and your family, we would be honoured to serve you.

If you have the pleasure of living in Japan or visiting the country, we recommend that you come to one of our upcoming sword shows or schedule a private VIP meeting with us.

VIP meetings are normally held near JR Ebisu station in Tokyo at a hired gallery space. We can also arrange visits to a company office, hotel, near the airport or at a private residence.

To those exploring our collection online, be sure to download our catalogue of available swords here.

We completely respect the fact it takes a HUGE leap of personal FAITH in us to commit to a particular sword given the reliance on photos and descriptions for such a highly valued item.

It is our PROMISE to address all your questions to the best of our ability. It’s important to us that you feel completely confident that the sword you choose (and that chooses you) is destined for you and your family.

You can also take reassurance that ALL swords from Unique Japan are GUARANTEED AUTHENTIC and come with a 3-DAY WORRY FREE inspection period upon arrival to your home.

Yes, it is completely legal to own a genuine antique Japanese sword (even those that are several hundreds of years old). Unique Japan specialises in all proper legal compliances so that swords can be exported from Japan.
All required paperwork is provided free of charge for clients.

Unique Japan has safely sent well over 150 swords FROM Japan to immensely proud owners in the United States, Canada, Europe and around the world.

We look forward to making your dream of owning an authentic Japanese sword a reality for you.

→ 7 Points to Consider when Choosing your Japanese Sword
→ 5 Steps to Owning an Authentic Japanese Samurai Sword
→ Download catalogue of currently available Japanese swords
→ PARTS of a Japanese Sword and Mountings (High-quality images)
→ 7 reasons WHY I love Japanese swords
→ Resource Information on Japanese Swords
→ NBTHK Certification Paper Ranking for Japanese Swords
→ NTHK-NPO Certification Paper Ranking for Japanese Swords