TS072 Antique Katana sword AOE -Kamakura period NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon paper

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Item# TS072
Antique Katana sword in Ornate Mounting
Kamakura Period (1240-1320s)
NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon certificated (Extremely Well Preserved certificate)
Investment & Jūyō Potential
Swordsmith: AOE (attributed)

A quality Katana sword from SAMURAI STORE Tokyo.

Item Type: Katana
Signature: Mumei (Attributed to Aoe)
Province: Bicchū Province
Period: Mid to Late Kamakura Period (c. 1240–1329 CE)
Certification: NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon (Especially Worthy of Preservation)
Construction: Shinogi-zukuri, ō-suriage tang
Hamon: Chū-suguha with ko-gunome
Jihada: Densely forged ko-itame with abundant ji-nie and vivid utsuri

Katana | AOE from 1200-1300s | NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon

Forged during the golden age of the Kamakura period, this remarkable katana has been attributed by the NBTHK to the celebrated Aoe School of Bicchū Province. Flourishing from the mid-Kamakura through the Nanbokuchō period, Aoe smiths are admired for their refined workmanship, elegant sugata, and beautifully restrained suguha-based temper lines. Genuine Kamakura-period Aoe swords have become increasingly difficult to acquire, particularly those preserved in healthy condition and awarded NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon (Especially Worthy of Preservation) status.

This blade perfectly embodies the finest characteristics of the Aoe tradition. The tightly forged ko-itame hada is densely covered with delicate ji-nie, while a vivid utsuri appears gracefully across the surface—a hallmark of high-quality Kamakura Bizen and Bicchū workmanship. The chū-suguha hamon, enlivened with subtle ko-gunome, is bright, clear, and exceptionally refined, giving the blade an elegant yet dignified presence. Both the jihada and hamon remain healthy and well preserved, making this an outstanding example of an Aoe attribution.

Although the tang has been ō-suriage (shortened), as is common for swords that have survived over seven centuries, the blade retains its graceful Kamakura proportions and offers collectors the rare opportunity to own an authentic masterpiece from one of Japan's most respected medieval schools.

Investment & Jūyō Potential

In our opinion, this exceptional Aoe katana possesses all the hallmarks expected of a future NBTHK Jūyō Tōken candidate. Its outstanding preservation, beautiful jihada with vivid utsuri, refined hamon, and textbook Aoe workmanship place it among the finest examples we have encountered. Opportunities to acquire Kamakura-period Aoe swords of this quality are becoming increasingly rare, making this an exceptional opportunity for the discerning collector.

Elegant Tachi Koshirae Warlord Ornate Mouting

This sword is mounted in an impressive Tachi-style koshirae, a style traditionally worn edge-down and reserved for high-ranking samurai and mounted warriors. The koshirae features a brilliant gold nashiji lacquer scabbard, complemented by finely crafted metal fittings that create a dignified and luxurious appearance. The overall balance between the brilliant lacquer finish and the subdued iron fittings gives this mounting an unmistakably aristocratic character.

The scabbard is further adorned with the Maru ni Ageha Chō (丸に揚羽蝶) family crest—a stylized swallowtail butterfly enclosed within a circle. This is one of Japan's most celebrated samurai crests and is most famously associated with the illustrious Taira (Heike) clan, one of the two great warrior families that shaped medieval Japanese history. Throughout the Edo period, many daimyo families and distinguished samurai retained this elegant butterfly crest as a symbol of nobility, refinement, prosperity, and martial heritage. Its presence enhances both the historical atmosphere and visual appeal of this exceptional mounting.

Highlights

• Authentic Kamakura-period katana dating back approximately 700–780 years
• Attributed to the prestigious Aoe School of Bicchū Province
• Awarded NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon, recognizing its exceptional historical and artistic importance
• Beautifully preserved ko-itame hada with rich ji-nie and striking utsuri
• Refined suguha-based hamon with elegant ko-gunome activity
• Attractive gold nashiji lacquer koshirae featuring family crest decorations
• An outstanding acquisition for collectors seeking an elegant and highly representative example of classical Kamakura craftsmanship.
  
  

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