A YOSHIMITSU KATANA

A Yoshimitsu Katana and Koshirae - Unique Japan

Overview

Yoshimitsu is a notable smith of the Bizen tradition, particularly during the Muromachi period. The NTHK-NPO Kanteisho certificate attributes this sword to him circa the Kansho era: 1461~1466 (550 years ago).
The katana delights in being ubu (original length) with a classic Bizen gunome choji midare hamon (wavy clove blossom temper line).
Well-made horimono (engravings) of Sankozuka with Gomabashi and Bonji bring good fortune bring character and good fortune to the blade (see images below for explanation of the engravings).
It is said that a sword fitted in a red saya (scabbard) is forever sharp and special.
Koshirae (fitting) elements from the Edo-Period include:
Fuchi (collar): Iron and Dragon Gold Takabori (high relief carving)
Kashira (pommel): Crafted from buffalo horn
Menuki (eyelets): In the design of Omodaka (plants growing in paddy fields)
Tsuba (guard) Sukashi (open work) of iron with double Masu (square wooden box traditionally used to measure rice)
Saya (scabbard: Shu (lacquered in red)

Client Testimonial (for this Yoshimitsu katana)

I purchased my first katana few months ago through Unique Japan. My experience was extraordinary positive. Pablo not only is a remarkable expert in this field, but also he has a fantastic customer attitude. He helped me in the choice providing all the info I needed with patience and kindness. The shipping was great: well packaged and and fast. And the “sword” is wonderful.
I strongly recommend Unique Japan if you are going to buy an authentic and precious piece of Japan history.
Thanks a lot Pablo !
Antonio B. – Milan – Italy
Nella ricerca della mia prima katana ho avuto la fortuna di trovare sul web questo sito. La mia esperianza è stata altamente positiva. Pablo non solo è un profondo conoscitore in questo campo, ma anche un persona squisita con un grande rispetto del cliente. Mi ha aiutato nella scelta, fornendomi tutte le informazioni che di volta in volta gli chiedevo (e sono state tante), con enorme pazienza e gentilezza.
La spedizione poi è stata perfetta, veloce e perfettamente imballata. Non posso che raccomandare Unique Japan a tutte quelle persone che vogliono avere il piacere di possedere un oggetto prezioso, che ha fatto per secoli la storia del Giappone.
Grazie Pablo !
Antonio B. – Milano – Italia

*Photos by Eric Bossick for Unique Japan

A Yoshimitsu Katana from Kansho Era - Unique JapanA Yoshimitsu Katana - Unique JapanSankozuka - Ken Vajra and Bonji
Gomabashi Horimono Double Groove Meaning Masu Measure Rice Sake in Japan Yoshimitsu Katana NTHK-NPO Certificate - Unique Japan

Yoshimitsu Katana NTHK-NPO Certificate Cover - Unique Japan yoshimitsu-3 yoshimitsu-4 yoshimitsu-5 yoshimitsu-7 yoshimitsu-10 yoshimitsu-11 yoshimitsu-12 yoshimitsu-13 yoshimitsu-14 yoshimitsu-15 yoshimitsu-17 yoshimitsu-18 yoshimitsu-19 yoshimitsu-20 yoshimitsu-21 yoshimitsu-26 yoshimitsu-25 yoshimitsu-23 yoshimitsu-22 yoshimitsu-24 yoshimitsu-27 yoshimitsu-28 yoshimitsu-29Interested in Ownership of an Antique Japanese Sword?

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

To visitors in Japan…

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 visitors around the world…

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.

Legal Exportation from Japan

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 300 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.

Popular Pages of Interest

→ 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