Complete set with a beautiful Tachi Koshirae
Certified by NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon | With Sayagaki by Tanobe Michihiro Sensei
Step back in time and experience the brilliance of classical Japanese swordsmithing with this exceptional katana by Rai Kunizane, a distinguished smith of the Rai school during the Kamakura era (circa 1280). This rare and historic blade, certified Tokubetsu Hozon by the NBTHK, offers an unparalleled connection to Japan’s legendary warrior culture and artistic tradition.
Rai Kunizane was a direct disciple of Rai Kunitoshi, one of the greatest swordsmiths of the Kamakura period and the founder of the Rai school in Yamashiro Province. The Rai school is renowned for its exemplary forging techniques, refined aesthetic sensibilities, and profound influence on subsequent generations of swordmakers. Kunizane faithfully carried forward this legacy, producing swords of remarkable quality and elegance.
Nagasa (Blade length): 66.2 cm
Sori (Curvature): 2.9 cm
Weight (Blade only): 612 grams
This blade exhibits the hallmark features of Rai workmanship, including:
– Ko-mokume jihada (small burl wood grain steel pattern) with elegant consistency
– Ko-gunome hamon (small undulating temper line) enhanced with kinsuji (golden lines), ko-ashi (small legs), and defined nie (crystalline martensite)
– Well-balanced shape with classic tachi-style curvature, retaining its refined proportions despite being over 740 years old
Its flawless condition and integrity despite its age are a testament to the unmatched craftsmanship of the Rai school.
Accompanying the blade is a shirasaya bearing a Sayagaki (handwritten attribution and appreciation note) by the esteemed Tanobe Michihiro Sensei, former head researcher at the NBTHK and one of Japan’s foremost sword scholars. His detailed commentary further confirms the blade’s attribution to Rai Kunizane and offers insight into its artistic and historical importance.
The sword has been awarded the Tokubetsu Hozon Token by the Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai (NBTHK) – the Society for the Preservation of the Japanese Art Sword. This designation is reserved for swords of exceptional importance, authenticity, and beauty, signifying its value as a highly collectible and historically significant work of art.
Given its remarkable preservation, classical workmanship, and distinguished provenance, this katana is a strong candidate for future Juyo Token (Important Sword) designation. Its quality and documentation position it as a potential highlight in any world-class collection.
Owning this katana by Rai Kunizane is not merely acquiring a weapon, but preserving a work of cultural heritage. This blade offers an extraordinary opportunity to hold a true piece of Samurai history in your hands—crafted at the pinnacle of Japan’s golden age of swordsmithing.
Whether for the seasoned collector or the passionate admirer of Japanese culture, this katana is an unmatched treasure.
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