Shimosaka Katana + NBTHK Hozon token

Shimosaka Katana with NBTHK Hozon Token – Authentic Japanese Masterpiece

This Shimosaka katana comes in full koshirae, certified with both an NBTHK Hozon Token and an NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho Token. In addition, the koshirae (tosogu) is recognized with the NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho Tosogu certificate – a rare combination for collectors of authentic antique Japanese swords.
The blade is mumei, but has been attributed by the NBTHK to a smith from the Shimosaka school, active during the Muromachi period (1334–1573). This school was founded by Yasutsugu, whose lineage later became renowned in Echizen. The region around Lake Biwa, where this school originally emerged, was surrounded by influential sword-making centers such as Echizen, Mino, Yamato, and Yamashiro – all crucial in the history of the Japanese sword.

In the early Edo period, Yuki Hideyasu, son of Tokugawa Ieyasu, invited Yasutsugu to settle in the castle town of Kitanosho in Echizen. There, a new sword school emerged, producing robust Mino-den style swords – favored by the Tokugawa clan itself.

This katana is hand-forged from high-quality tamahagane steel, known for its strength, purity, and fine structure. The blade features an elegant mihaba and sturdy kasane, with a subtle, graceful curvature. A bohi (groove) is carved on both sides for weight reduction and balance.
The steel structure (jigane) is fine and compact with a pronounced itame hada. The hamon displays a lively, irregular midare pattern with a clear presence of nie (crystallization), and the boshi is rounded and smoothly returns into the back of the blade.

The koshirae is crafted in Higo style – elegant and tasteful, befitting this unique Japanese sword. The habaki, made from silver, highlights the refined finish. The tsuba, made of iron with shakudo details, is in marugata style with finely carved rim decorations. The fuchi-kashira are finished in Kyushu Higo style with shakudo accents, and the menuki – shaped like a turtle – are crafted in detailed gold work.

The saya, covered with ray skin (ume-kawa), completes this truly unique piece.

This katana comes with an NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon certificate  – an accolade only granted to exceptional swords of historical importance. A rare opportunity to own a genuine antique Japanese sword of invaluable cultural significance.

Specifications:

Blade length: 73.9 cm
Curvature (Sori): 1.6 cm
Mekugi-ana: 1
Width at base (Motohaba): 3.18 cm
Width at tip (Sakihaba): 2.01 cm
Thickness (Kasane): 0.65 cm
Sword weight: 675 g

This is not only a visual masterpiece worthy of a place in any interior or museum, but also a solid investment. The combination of historical origin, tamahagane craftsmanship, the rarity of the NBTHK certification, and the complete authentic koshirae make this katana a unique piece of heritage – a true nihonto that commands respect and admiration.

Includes Oshigata – a detailed representation of the blade’s metallurgical features.