ABOUT US: At Supein Nihonto we strive to bring you high quality samurai swords and armors at prices far below the competition. We are probably the largest exporter in Europe and we are proud to anunce that we are number one TOP SELLER in Catawiki Samurai and Japanese auctions. This is especially important to save on taxes and waiting times that can exceed four months deliveries with Japanese sellers also headaches with tedious and sometimes problematic processes that further lengthen deliveries, even returning the parcel to its origin and more than 35% extra on the final price due the customs, tariffs and fees that increase the product but not the quality and the future resell. We are also professional sellers and therefore our satisfaction guarantee, knowledge and standards are superior to private sellers and with higher after sales guarantees. Thanks to this and the lowest professional prices in the industry plus our fast and efficient shipping method which rarely exceeds three days delivery in Europe, we are sure you will enjoy this great opportunity to own a piece of art that will appreciate in value for years to come and a great investment. Trust us to enjoy the samurai art. ITEM DESCRIPTION: Comes with kimono or cotton bag. Comes with certificate of supein Nihonto. Comes with original prefecture certificate. Comes With NBTHK Tokobetsu Hozon. Signed: Yasutsugu (3rd Generation, Echizen) Torokusho: Tokyo #328366 Blade length: 73.5 cm Torokusho translation (Japanese sword registration) Tokyo Registration Nº 328366 Type: Katana Blade length: 73.5 cm Curvature: 2.2 cm Mei: Omote: Aoi-mon + Yasutsugu saku Ura: Echizen sandai (3rd generation) Date: August 13th, 2024 Authority: Tokyo Metropolitan Education Committee NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token certificate Certificate Nº 1024052 Date: February 21st, 2025 Attribution: Katana signed “Aoi-mon Yasutsugu saku (Echizen, 3rd generation)” Acknowledged by the NBTHK as Tokubetsu Hozon Token, confirming exceptional quality, historical relevance and high-level craftsmanship. Professional narrative description This katana is a superb and highly valuable work by Yasutsugu, 3rd generation of Echizen, one of the most prestigious forging lineages of the Edo period and direct successors of the Shimosaka tradition. The presence of the Tokugawa Aoi crest (葵紋)—engraved on the nakago—is an extraordinary honor granted to only a handful of master smiths. The blade, with its 73.5 cm nagasa and elegant 2.2 cm sori, displays the refined jihada and controlled hamon characteristic of the Yasutsugu lineage. The visible nie and rich internal activity reflect the technical mastery of this school. The koshirae is complete and of remarkably high quality: Black silk tsuka-ito over high-grade samegawa. Menuki of golden dragons. Fuchi-kashira elaborately carved with dragons and traces of gold. Iron tsuba with dragons and clouds, featuring gold and silver inlays. Brown ishime-ji saya with an intact antique label. Traditional blue sageo. Together, blade and fittings form a balanced, elegant and historically significant ensemble suitable for advanced collectors or museum-level exhibition. The historical weight of the Tokugawa Aoi-mon (葵紋) The Aoi crest was the official emblem of the Tokugawa shogunate and its use was strictly restricted. Only a handful of elite smiths were granted permission to engrave it on their tangs. Yasutsugu stood at the top of this group: Yasutsugu I was personally authorized by Tokugawa Ieyasu to use the Aoi crest and work with imported Nanban iron. This honor passed only to select successors, including the 3rd generation of Echizen. Thus, a sword signed: 葵紋 康継作, 越前三代, NBTHK certified as Tokubetsu Hozon Is not merely a blade—it is a documented artifact directly tied to the political and military heart of Edo-period Japan, elevating its desirability and investment value. The antique saya label — historical documentation The saya preserves an old handwritten label. Although partially deteriorated, the visible characters match the NBTHK attribution: The kanji 継 (tsugu) is clearly identifiable. The characters 越 and 前 appear as well, indicating Echizen. This strongly suggests that the saya label originally identified: “Yasutsugu — Echizen” likely written long before modern certification. Such labels are rare and add significant historical depth, demonstrating long-standing recognition of the blade’s attribution within Japanese collections. Technical description Blade Type: Katana Nagasa: 73.5 cm Sori: 2.2 cm Hamon: Notare with abundant nie and internal activity Jihada: Itame mixed with mokume Kissaki: Chu-kissaki Nakago: Two mekugi-ana, original patina Mei: Omote: Aoi-mon Yasutsugu saku Ura: Echizen sandai Koshirae Tsuka: Samegawa with black silk wrap Menuki: Golden dragons Fuchi-kashira: Iron with dragon motifs and gold highlights Tsuba: Iron, dragons and clouds with gold and silver details Saya: Brown ishime-ji with antique label Sageo: Blue Habaki: Copper Technical sheet Item Details Type Katana Smith Yasutsugu, 3rd generation (Echizen) Signature Aoi-mon Yasutsugu saku Blade length 73.5 cm Curvature 2.2 cm NBTHK certificate Tokubetsu Hozon Token #1024052 Registration Tokyo #328366 Koshirae Complete, high quality Menuki Golden dragons Tsuba Dragons & clouds, with gold/silver Period Edo Condition Excellent The sword maintains its full historical character: the nakago with patina, the blade with an authentic polish, and a coherent complete koshirae. Signs of use reflect its age and authenticity, enhancing its cultural and collectible value. Blade is in good condition due to aging just superficial scratchings as normal. Not hagire and not fatal damage, of course. This is a japanese weapon so have a real historical value. This is a weapon with centuries, not machine crafted so can be minor movements of saya, tsuka, tsuba, etc. Because of dilatation, humidity, etc. and little damages propers of his age like small rust, scratches, etc.. Sold as is. An Authentic nihonto japanese sword, difficult to find in Europe, without the consequent costs of importing from Japan or from Japanese sellers, which can increase the price of the sword by up to 30% and a months waiting for shipment and custom paperwork. A truly real nihonto to delight both new and experienced collectors. All my swords are originals, imported from japan and Europe during many years of collection. All bids are binding, if you are not interested don't let other bidders miss the opportunity. Winning the auction and not paying for the item blocks you from bidding on catawiki on any auction forever, keep this in mind before bidding. Attribution is provided for reference only, subject to authentication. Please see my other samurai swords and items clicking on my seller name. Combine shipping avaliable.