Japanese Tachi made by Rai Kunizane Katana Masterwork of the Kamakura Era (ca. 1280) NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon

 29.500,00

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Description

Authentic Japanese Samurai Sword – Tachi Katana by Rai Kunizane (Kamakura Era, ca. 1280)

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.


Historical Significance – The Legacy of Rai Kunizane

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.


Blade Description & Features

  • 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.


Sayagaki by Tanobe Michihiro Sensei

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.


NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certification

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.


A Candidate for Juyo Token

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.


A Timeless Masterpiece

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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