Masterpiece Kamakura Senjuin Katana, NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate & Tanobe-sensei Sayagaki

[zdenek-s]

This exceptional 700-year-old Yamato Senjuin Katana is a masterpiece from the Kamakura period, exemplifying the distinguished craftsmanship of the Senjuin school, one of the five renowned Yamato traditions. The blade showcases stunning features in the hamon, characteristic of Senjuin artistry. It comes with NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon certification, attesting to its special preservation status, and includes Tanobe Sayagaki, providing expert appraisal and historical context. This katana is an invaluable addition for discerning collectors and connoisseurs of Japanese swords.

 

Description:

This exquisite Koto Katana, attributed to the Yamato Senjuin school, dates back to the end of the Kamakura period (early 14th century). This sword, approximately 700 years old, is a true masterpiece, housed in Shirasaya and recognized with the prestigious NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon certificate.

The katana is further distinguished by a prestigious Sayagaki by Tanobe-sensei, which reads: "Senjuin School, Yamato Province. Although unsigned due to significant shortening (o-suriage), the distinctive characteristics of this school, one of the five Yamato traditions, are clearly evident in this blade, reflecting excellent craftsmanship. Particularly notable is the exquisite and dynamic variation within the tempering (hamon), which demonstrates remarkable skill. Era: Late Kamakura period. Blade length: 2 shaku, 2 sun, and 8 bu. Written by Mr. Tanobe." 

This Sayagaki written by Professor Tanobe highlights the sword's excellent quality and historical significance.

 

Key Features:

• Signature: Mumei, attributed to Senjuin (無銘千手院)
• Blade Length: 69.3 cm (27.3 inches)
• Sori: 1.5 cm (0.59 inches)
• Mekugi: 1
• Width at Hamachi: 2.7 cm (1.06 inches)
• Width at Kissaki: 2.0 cm (0.79 inches)
• Kasane: 0.6 cm (0.236 inches)
• Weight: 660 grams
• Kissaki Nagasa: Approx. 3 cm
• Era: Late Kamakura period (end of the 13th to early 14th century)
• Habaki: Gold-foiled double habaki

 

Jigane: Itame hada, well-grained with jinie attached, displaying beautiful, strong chikei and utsuri. The shinogi-ji also features itame hada typical of Kamakura jigane, with some Muneyaki decoration.

 

Hamon: A mix of gunome midare with nie-deki suguha base, featuring koashi, rich tobiyaki and creating also a double hamon. The blade also showcases fine sunagashi, kinsuji and inazuma. The boshi is in midarekomi style with hakikake, displaying double hamon on one side and tobiyaki on the other. Tobiyaki visible on kisaki looks like a peacock's eye when observed directly under the right light. The hamon works are absolutely amazing.

 

Historical Significance:

This katana is a remarkable piece from the Yamato school, dating back to the end of the Kamakura period. Despite its age, the sword has only one mekugi ana, and the blade features many hataraki. The boshi is particularly impressive, exuding a fierce spirit reflective of its time. As you hold this sword, you can truly feel the history and craftsmanship from the early 14th century, at the transition between the Kamakura and Nanbokucho periods.

 

Registration: Mumei, 17.11.1973, Kumamoto

 

Personal Comment:

When viewed under proper lighting, the blade reveals a deep universe of stars and nebulae, thanks to its rich tobiyaki, utsuri, and chikei. This nearly 70 cm long sword from the Kamakura period, with its fierce look and valuable Sayagaki by Tanobe-sensei, is a treasure. I believe this sword will become a cherished family heirloom for generations to come.

 

Additional Information:

For more detailed images, including full blade photos, Shokai, and videos, please visit:

 

https://drive.google...3gIqC_kD?usp=sharing

 

Please note that my photos may not fully capture the beauty of the hamon and reflections, but they provide a glimpse of the ancient craftsmanship that created this sword. The folder also includes three original images from Japan (1.jpg, 2.jpg, 3.jpg), taken before the final polish. The later images show the sword after new polishing, revealing the clear visibility of the jigane and hamon, with the kissaki showcasing its beauty.

 

Pricing:

€10.750 + PayPal ((bank to bank trasfer is for free) + Shipping fees + €200 Export Permission (out of EU).

I'm open to discuss the price further a bit.

 

Shipping:

• I ship within 1-3 days to all EU countries. For shipments outside the EU, please allow about 4-5 weeks due to the need for export permission. It is issued on a request, but it needs time.. 
• No customs restrictions, VAT, or duties for a sale to EU countries.

 

Inspection and Pickup:

The sword can be inspected and picked up in Prague, Czech Republic.

 

You may see also my eBay listing: https://www.ebay.com/itm/186730156830 and contact me by my email: zdenek-s@volny.cz

 

Please feel free to reach out with any questions, requests, or price proposals. I always strive for mutual satisfaction.

 

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The sword is actually submited for Export Permission papers, which will be issued on 20th March 2025 at the latest. The sword may be sent wordwide freely and promtly anytime consequetly. The costs relating to the export permission are taken on my end.  

Shipping in EU is free of charge. 

 

[zdenek-s]

There is issued an export permission for this sword. So, the sword may be sent wordwide promptly. Free shipping in EU.