Nihonto Katana „Kashū Katsuie“ with NBTHK Hozon Certificate

NBTHK document (公益財団法人 日本美術刀剣保存協会)

• Title: 鑑定書
  Translation: Appraisal / authentication certificate.

• Entry: 一、刀 無銘（加州勝家）
  Translation: 1) Katana, mumei (attributed to Kashū Katsuie).

• Measurement: 長 二尺三寸
  Translation: Length (nagasa): 2 shaku 3 sun (approx. 69.7 cm).

• Main text: 右は当協会に於て審査の結果保存刀剣と鑑定しこれを証する
  Translation: “The above item has been examined by this Association and, as a result, has been judged as Hozon Tōken (a sword worthy of preservation), which is hereby certified.”

• Date: 令和七年二月二十一日
  Translation: February 21, Reiwa 7 (2025).

• Issuer: 公益財団法人 日本美術刀剣保存協会
  Translation: Public Interest Incorporated Foundation – Society for the Preservation of the Japanese Art Sword (NBTHK).

• Number: No. 3036180
  Translation: No. 3036180.

• Additional perforation/print: 鑑定 06.2024.12
  Translation: “Kantei 06.2024.12” (as shown).

Registration (torokusho / visible registration note on the document)

• 福岡県教育委員会　第26128号　昭和31年1月10日
  Translation: Fukuoka Prefectural Board of Education, Registration No. 26128, January 10, Shōwa 31 (1956).

Smith, school, and context

Attributed by the NBTHK to Kashū Katsuie (加州勝家) and presented here as late Muromachi period (circa 1500), this katana captures the restrained, purposeful character associated with the Kaga tradition at a time when the sword was, above all, a weapon meant for real use. The Katsuie attribution places the blade within a provincial lineage with a strong technical identity, valued for its straightforward approach, functional balance, and controlled aesthetics.

The NBTHK certifies the blade as mumei and attributes it to Kashū Katsuie (加州勝家), a designation associated with the Kaga/Kashū tradition. The name Katsuie is documented in Kaga across multiple generations and historical eras; 

Technical description of the blade

The hamon shows a predominantly suguha tendency (mainly straight temper line), with a consistent boshi in the kissaki. The overall form corresponds to a classic shinogi-zukuri katana with a medium-proportioned kissaki.

The nakago is mumei, carrying a stable dark patina and showing three mekugi-ana, consistent with long-term mounting history. Together with the NBTHK attribution, these elements present a traditional, clean-reading blade with an emphatically functional character.

Technical description of the koshirae

The sword is offered in complete koshirae, a strong commercial and historical asset: it protects the blade, allows immediate display, and preserves the traditional “presence” of a mounted Japanese sword.

The saya is finished in deep glossy black lacquer, paired with a purple sageo tied in a traditional style. The tsuka is wrapped in dark ito over visible samegawa, finished with a coppery-gold toned kashira featuring a subtly textured surface.

The iron maru-gata tsuba is particularly appealing: an openwork sukashi design with a restrained geometric/architectural composition and light engraving on the plate, creating an elegant contrast against the dark lacquered saya.

Technical sheet

• Type: Katana

• Signature: Mumei

• Attribution (documented): Kashū Katsuie (加州勝家)

• Certification (documented): NBTHK, judged Hozon Tōken; No. 3036180; dated Reiwa 7 / 2025-02-21

• Registration (documented): Fukuoka, No. 26128; dated Shōwa 31 / 1956-01-10

• Nagasa (documented): 二尺三寸 (approx. 69.7 cm)

• Nakago: mumei; 3 mekugi-ana

• Hamon (visible): suguha tendency

• Koshirae: black lacquer saya; purple sageo; dark tsuka wrap over samegawa; iron maru-gata sukashi tsuba