Tokyo Nihonto
Antique Japanese Katana Sword Ryokai Shigeyoshi - Hozon
Antique Japanese Katana Sword Ryokai Shigeyoshi - Hozon
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- Signature (Mei): Ryōkai Shigeyoshi
- School / Tradition: Tsukushi Ryōkai / Yamashiro-den lineage (Rai group)
- Period / Province: Mid–Muromachi (Chōroku era, 1457–1460) / Bungo (Ōita)
- Certificate: NBTHK Hozon (保存刀剣)
- Mounting: Handachi-style koshirae; gold-foil (kin-kise) habaki
- Blade Length (Nagasa): 72.7 cm
- Curvature (Sori): 2.1 cm
- Width at Base (Motohaba): 30.9 mm
- Thickness at Base (Motokasane): 7.4 mm
- Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 19.8 mm
- Thickness at Tip (Sakikasane): 4.9 mm
- Mekugi-ana: 2
- Shape: Shinogi-zukuri
- Shirasaya: Not newly made, relatively recent
- Condition: Very good; minor scratches visible in raking light
A refined katana signed by Ryōkai Shigeyoshi, a notable master of the Tsukushi Ryōkai school. The blade presents an elegant shinogi-zukuri form with lively curvature and a soft utsuri rising across the ji—hallmarks of the Yamashiro-den taste inherited from the Rai lineage. It is accompanied by NBTHK Hozon papers attesting to authenticity, preservation, and artistic value.
Geometry is healthy and proportions are well-balanced for a dignified, classical look. The nakago bears a clear inscription, and overall the blade remains in very good condition.
The koshirae is newly custom-made and finished in coordinated gold and black for a formal aesthetic:
- Tsuba: Radiating sunburst plate with fan-like openwork rim and a small sakura in relief; richly gilt for a bright, ceremonial impression.
- Fuchi: Gilt fuchi with raised landscape (mountain ridge) motif matching the tsuba’s tone.
- Kashira: Dark, woodgrain-textured cap with a tight, neat end-knot finish.
- Tsuka: Light gold-brown ito over white samegawa; diamonds show even, prominent nodes.
- Menuki: Gold-toned mon designs—a chrysanthemum, a cherry blossom, and an abstract crest—set low on the tsuka for grip and visual harmony.
- Saya: Glossy black lacquer saya paired with a golden sageo for a harmonious, formal presentation.
- Habaki: Gold-foil (kin-kise) habaki and uses approximately 6–10 g of thick gold with intrinsic precious-metal value.
A relatively recent shirasaya is also included for safe storage.
Swordsmith Background
Ryōkai Shigeyoshi is a representative master of the Tsukushi Ryōkai school, active in the mid–Muromachi period—especially the Chōroku era (1457–1460)—in Bungo (Ōita). His workmanship carries the refined Yamashiro-den taste of the Rai lineage, expressed in dignified shapes and tasteful jihada/hamon activity. Signed examples by Shigeyoshi are scarce and highly regarded among collectors.
School History
The Ryōkai line originates in Yamashiro (Kyoto) within the celebrated Rai group; Ryōkai is traditionally linked to Rai Kuniyuki and his younger brother Rai Kunitoshi. Amid the Nanbokuchō turmoil in the late 14th century, successors relocated to Kyūshū and established the Tsukushi Ryōkai. Smiths of this branch commonly adopted the character 「能」 (Yoshi) in their art-names (e.g., 重能, 秀能, 宣能), preserving the elegant Yamashiro-den aesthetic while developing a regional identity.
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Payment
You can pay by Bank card or Bank transfer. If you wish to use bank transfer please contact us using the form bellow with the name of the sword you are willing to buy.
Customs and Taxes
・Import duties, taxes and charges are not included in the item price or shipping charges. These charges are the buyer’s responsibility.
・Please check with your country’s customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding/buying.
・These charges are normally collected by the delivering freight (shipping) company or when you pick the item up - do not confuse them for additional shipping charges.
Shipping and Return
- Swords are shipped from Tokyo, Japan. We manage all the procedures to export the sword.
- You can't return sword to Japan because procedures are too strict.
- We work with a shipping company that have experience with Nihonto so you don't have to worry.
- Please check the rules of your country before importing the sword. We do not take any responsibility, including (not limited to) refund, due to the above reasons.
- We can NOT cancel an order once, we already applied for the export authorization. As this document is made to customer name.
We have shipped authentic Japanese swords to the USA, UK, Canada, Mexico, Germany, France, Hong Kong, and Australia. If you don’t live in these countries and like to order, please contact us first before purchasing. We normally ship by EMS (Express Mail Service) provided by Japan Post.
If you live in the UK, please contact us BEFORE order.
Export Procedure (We manage it)
・All our swords are registered in the Agency for Cultural Affairs as artwork and The Board of Education(Cultural properties protection Committee); therefore each sword has the registration card, issued by the Board of Education.
・After receiving the full payment of the items,we return the registration card and get the permission from Ministry of Cultural Affairs to export the swords legally from Japan. It will take about 1 to 3 months for that step.
・After the receiving the permission, we will inform you by email and send the items immediately.