Katana - Japan - Edo Period (1600-1868)

Samurai Katana by Katsumura Tokukatsu
Signed: Mito Jyu Katsumura Tokukatsu (水戸住徳勝)

Era: Kaei 1 (1848), Late Edo Period
Certification: NBTHK Hozon Token – Preserved Sword
Mountings: Original koshirae with family mon on scabbard
Region: Mito, Hitachi Province (modern Ibaraki Prefecture)

Overview:

Offered here is a rare and authentic Shinshintō-period katana by the esteemed Mito domain smith Katsumura Tokukatsu (birth name: Hikoroku), forged in 1848—a period of intense political and cultural transformation in Japan.

Tokukatsu was a Jōsaku-ranked swordsmith, a level of craftsmanship highly respected among collectors and historians. He served as an Okakae Kaji (officially retained swordsmith) for the Mito domain, forging blades for Daimyō Tokugawa Nariaki and the samurai retainers of one of the most politically influential han of the Bakumatsu era.

Specifications:

Nagasa (Blade Length): 66.8 cm

Sori (Curvature): 1.0 cm

Era: Kaei 1 (1848)

Region: Hitachi Province (Mito, now Ibaraki Prefecture)

NBTHK: Hozon Token – Preserved Sword

Highlights:

Historically Significant Maker: Katsumura Tokukatsu studied under Sekiuchi Norimune, later trained with Unju Korekazu and Hosokawa Masayoshi in Edo

Domain Service: Appointed as official swordsmith to the Mito Tokugawa clan, one of the three most powerful Tokugawa houses

Revered by Samurai: His blades were favored by Mito retainers during the Sonnō Jōi movement (“Revere the Emperor, Expel the Barbarians”)

Historical Relevance: His swords were known to be carried by samurai involved in pivotal Bakumatsu-era incidents, including the Sakuradamon Incident

Original Condition: The sword retains its original Edo-period koshirae, including a family mon (crest) on the saya—a rare and meaningful touch

Blade & Mountings:

Hamon: Brilliantly defined, elegant temper line indicative of Tokukatsu’s refined forging technique

Polish: Excellent – clean lines and crisp surface showing the smith’s skill and the blade’s condition

Koshirae: Period mountings in outstanding condition with dragon-themed fittings and family crest on the scabbard

Spiritual Presence: This sword exudes the spirit of the samurai—a true piece of warrior history

Collector’s Note:

This katana by Katsumura Tokukatsu is more than a blade—it's a historical artifact from a decisive chapter in Japan’s samurai legacy. It combines technical excellence, domain prestige, and political symbolism. The presence of a family mon and its original koshirae enhances its authenticity and collector appeal.

Perfect for enthusiasts of Shinshintō swords, Bakumatsu-era history, or those seeking a true samurai-used weapon with documented heritage.

Included:

Katana by Mito Jyu Tokukatsu (signed)

Original Edo-period koshirae with family crest

NBTHK Hozon Certificate