Samurai Sword Tanba No Kami Yoshimichi (Morikichimichi) the fifth generation Only swordsmiths that were approved by the emperor were given the right to use the chrysanthemum mark on their blades. Tanba No Kami Morikichimichi (the fifth generation of Kyoto) was called Mishina Toshichiro, and received Tanba Morikichimichi in the first year of Shotoku year 1711. The first Tanba no Kami Yoshimichi was the 3rd son of Kanemichi in Mino. He moved to Kyoto in 1559, then received the name as “Tanba no Kami” in 1595. The kikumon (family crest) has been used by the Japanese emperor families since the Kamakura period. Kiku means chrysanthemum, and is the national flower of Japan. Also, it has been used at shrines relate to the Japanese emperor. This kikumon has 16 petals. According to expert Akira Iwata, the 16 petals of the chrysanthemum originally came from Sumerians who established the oldest civilization in about 3500 BC. The sword is in superb condition and quite literally takes your breath away. It is abundantly clear why the NBTHK designated this sword a special conservation status, or NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon. This sword is not only functional  but also considered works of art with great cultural and historical significance. This Katana belong to high grade Samurai. Koshirae Tsuba The paulownia crest and chrysanthemum crest are engraved on the tsuba shaped like a shakudō. Frame head A paulownia crest is engraved on the shakudo tsuba and colored with gold. Scabbard  Kuro-iro scabbard Menuki  The paulownia crest is engraved and colored with gold (also named as Kiri only for prime minister) The gentle bamboo blinds give a sense of quality, which is different from Osaka Tanba. Koshirae is also a work of art. Blade length 69.6 cm Sori  1.7 cm Mekugi 1 Width 3.0 cm Kisakki  2.1 cm Hammon Sudare Weight 680 grams Era: Edo period, around Shotoku Signed  Kikumon Tanba No Kami Yoshimichi (5th generation) masterpiece Excellent work. NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon (A sword especially worthy of conservation)