This beautiful Kanbun shinto sword was sold at the Unique Japan Kamakura Sword Show in February 2011. According to its NBTHK Hozon certificate the sword is attributed to swordsmith Iehira in the Kaga Province.

A custom made koshirae using Edo-period pieces (140 years old or older) was produced by Unique Japan for our client to house this beautiful blade.

The general requirements from our client on this project were:
– A tsuba (guard) with a ‘dragon’ theme to it
– A set of menuki (ornaments under the silk hilt) that were of tombo (dragonflies)
– A fuchi-kashira (collar and pommel) that matched the above
– Everything else was left to the creativity of the Japanese craftsman!

The menacingly powerful dragon tsuba (guard), courageous dragonfly menuki, and prosperous bamboo shoots fuchi-kashira (collar and pommel) are all antiques from the Edo period. All other components of the koshirae were made by a modern-day artisan using traditional techniques.

A custom koshirae project is very rewarding because just like a Samurai, you can put your own personal stamp on the sword. Samurai (especially high-ranking Samurai) often had a number of koshirae made for their favourite swords and occasions (battle, formal wear, etc.).

Plus by creating a koshirae, we are supporting the modern-day craftsmen and women that carry on these marvellous handmade centuries-old traditions. Several hours of full concentration and attention to detail are put into the making of each koshirae.

For further information on building your own beautiful custom koshirae, please visit this page.

This is the finished result. A beautiful custom-made koshirae.

A reverse view of the koshirae

A close-up view of the silk sageo (ronin musubi knot).
Note the sharkskin wrapped scabbard.

This is the awesome ‘dragon’ tsuba (guard) that was found.
Note: Japanese dragons have 3 claws, Chinese have 4.

A reverse view of this amazing tsuba (it’s over 150 years old).

The hilt. Ray skin for the handle, newly hand-woven silk, dragonfly menuki.
Click image for a really CLOSE-UP view.

A reverse view.

This is the sword’s habaki (blade collar). This was original to the sword.
It is made of copper, and well over 150 years old.

The silk bag that holds the koshirae. Each project has an original bag.

The blade by swordsmith Iehira. Note the three holes in the tang.
This suggests the sword was shortened from it’s original length of about 10 cm longer.

Reverse view.

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 200 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
→ Building your own custom koshirae and daisho, recommended!
→ 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