Tokyo Nihonto
Antique Japanese Katana Sword signed by Sue Bizen (Hozon)
Antique Japanese Katana Sword signed by Sue Bizen (Hozon)
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Sword Specifications
- Maker: Sue-Bizen School
- Period: Late Muromachi (15th–16th Century)
- Certificate: NBTHK Hozon
- Blade Length: 61.8 cm
- Curvature: 1.3 cm
- Width at Base: 3.02 cm
- Width at Tip: 2.46 cm
- Thickness at Base: 0.76 cm
- Thickness at Tip: 0.60 cm
- Blade Weight: 736 g
This outstanding Sue-Bizen katana originates from the late Muromachi period (15th–16th century) and has been officially certified as a Hozon Token by the NBTHK. The blade is an Ōsuriage Mumei sword, meaning it has been shortened from its original length, a common practice for battle-ready swords.
The Sue-Bizen school, active in the famous sword-making region of Osafune, Bizen, produced some of the finest cutting swords in Japan. This tradition includes renowned swordsmiths such as Yoshisada, Katsumitsu, Kiyomitsu, Tadamitsu, and Harumitsu. These blades were highly sought after during the turbulent Sengoku Jidai (Warring States Period), known for their strength and cutting performance.
The katana features a classic Bizen hada (steel grain structure), blending tight itame (straight wood grain), mokume (burl pattern), and nagare (flowing grain). The presence of a clear utsuri, —a shadowy reflection effect—adds further depth to the blade’s appearance.
The hamon is an exquisite gunome-chōji midare, blending wave-like and clove-shaped patterns. The tempering is deeply nioi-based with sunagashi (sand streaks) and nie-suji (hardened steel lines), showcasing the masterful heat treatment of the blade.
Mountings & Special Features
- Habaki: Unique two-tone habaki featuring gold-plated upper and silver-plated lower.
- Shirasaya: Newly crafted, high-quality plain wooden storage scabbard.
- Condition: Expertly polished by a professional artisan to enhance the steelwork and blade aesthetics.
About Sue-Bizen Swords
The Sue-Bizen school, active in the late 15th to 16th centuries, was one of the most influential sword-making traditions in Japan. Known as the “Sword Kingdom of Japan”, Bizen produced an unparalleled number of blades that were used in battle.
This katana is a highly refined example of late-period Bizen craftsmanship, featuring a powerful, broad structure and an exceptionally beautiful hamon. Recently released from a private collection, it stands as a remarkable historical and functional piece.
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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 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 2 months for that step.
・After the receiving the permission, we will inform you by email and send the items immediately.