Overview
It is with great pride to showcase an NBTHK 19th Juyo Token katana (A Profound Sword) attributed to Yamato Shizu. It was crafted circa 1319 in the late Kamakura period.
The description on the Juyo Token reads as follows:
This sword has been shortened and mumei (unsigned) and attributed to Yamato Shizu. Yamato Shizu refers to the name and period Shizu Saburo Kaneuji used before he became a student of Soshu Masamune.
Even though there is a Kaneuji that worked in the Nambokucho period, they are different.
Blades crafted by Yamato Shizu feature a gunome (undulating hamon), konotare (small wave pattern hamon), and sunagashi with kinsuji (brushed sand with short black shiny lines inside the hamon).
The colour of the hamon is vivid, much more vivid than other Yamato work. It is similar to Soshu tradition, and the tsukuri komi (how it is made) is similar to the Yamato tradition.
According to historical records swordsmiths populated Mino province in the Hogen era (1156-1159) during the Heian period. However, it’s only once the very late Kamakura period (early 1300s) appeared that works by Shizu Saburo Kaneuji and Kinju have been confirmed.
Kaneuji is said to have moved from Yamato (Nara) to study under the great Masamune to become one of his ten finest pupils (Masamune Jutettsu).
Kaneuji eventually moved to Shizu district in Mino province and is largely considered the founder of the Mino tradition. Shizu means ‘still’ or ‘calm’ in Japanese.
Kaneuji’s works carry a strong mixture of Yamato Tegai School qualities (a jihada of mokume hada with straight grain masame hada) and the Soshu tradition with a hamon displaying nie-deki (large, visible crystals) with plenty of hataraki such as sunagashi (streaks of sand), kinsuji (stripes of gold) and inazuma (crooked lightning bolts).
A noteworthy difference is that is that the hamon carries some togari (tapered peaks) in the hamon. As a basic rule, all Mino tradition swords have togari in the hamon.
The sword is blessed with an outstanding set of koshirae (fittings) that features a gorgeous kizami (grooved) saya (scabbard).
The unique tsuba (guard) depicts a plant (herb) called fuki, also known as a giant butterbur. The tsuba has an NTHK-NPO certification certificate attributing the design to the Shoami School.
The powerful menuki (grips on hilt) are in the design of a sankozuka, a weapon with immense spiritual protection. Scroll down the images below to view more information on the tsuba and menuki.
The fuchi-kashira (collar/pommel) are of guarding shisa lions warding off evil while inviting good fortune.
A significant point to mention is that this katana was granted NBTHK Juyo certification in 1970. Juyo blades judged prior to 1971 are considered prestigious as there was no higher ranking at the time (NBTHK Tokubetsu Juyo did not yet formally exist).
Swords awarded Juyo Token from this extremely selective period were of the absolute top rank and are thus highly coveted. This katana was the Tokubetsu Juyo of its day.
Former co-chairman of the NBTHK, Dr. Sato Kanzan, has further signed the sword’s shirasaya (scabbard). This is a further level of respected authentication known as sayagaki.
This is a healthy katana of formidable museum-grade historical importance.
SOLD to a private collector
*Photos by Eric Bossick for Unique Japan
Interested 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.
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
→ 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
