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 copy of Tokosusho. Comes with NBTHK Tokobetsu hozon. Katana in shirasaya signed Heianjō-jū Horii Ryūunsai Minamoto Sadamitsu, dated to the eleventh month of Keiō 2, 1866, accompanied by NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Tōken certification. This is a sword of considerable presence from the very end of the Edo period, made during the Bakumatsu years, immediately before the Meiji Restoration transformed the samurai world forever. The blade has an impressive certified length of approximately 75.4 cm, giving it a commanding and elegant silhouette. Its sugata conveys strength without losing refinement: this is a long katana with a noble and imposing appearance, far above the visual presence of more ordinary examples. The nakago retains mature patination and bears a long, well-arranged inscription. The signature 平安城住堀井龍雲斎源貞光造之 identifies the smith as Sadamitsu, resident of Heianjō, the classical name for Kyoto. The date 慶応二丙寅十一月日 places the work precisely in November 1866. This exact dating adds substantial historical value: the sword is not merely attributed to a broad period, but fixed to a specific moment at the close of the samurai age. The blade is enriched by remarkable double horimono. One side bears a Kurikara-ryū, the dragon associated with Fudō Myōō coiled around a straight ritual sword, or ken. This is one of the most powerful motifs in Japanese esoteric Buddhist sword iconography. The opposite side displays several bonji, Sanskrit Siddham seed syllables connected with protective Buddhist deities. Together, the dragon, the ritual sword and the bonji form a coherent spiritual programme of protection, authority and purification. The shirasaya is particularly appropriate for a blade of this level. It protects the steel with restraint, allows the sword itself to remain the centre of attention, and reinforces its status as a serious collector’s piece. Here, the absence of koshirae is not a weakness; it focuses the eye on the essential elements: signature, date, forging quality, horimono and Tokubetsu Hozon certification. This katana stands out through a rare combination of features: identified smith, exact date of 1866, generous length, shirasaya, double esoteric horimono and NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon certification. It is a sword for a buyer who is not simply looking for “a Japanese katana”, but for a documented, historically anchored and visually powerful work with serious collector appeal. Technical summary Type: Katana Mounting: Shirasaya Signature: 平安城住堀井龍雲斎源貞光造之 Reading: Heianjō-jū Horii Ryūunsai Minamoto Sadamitsu kore o tsukuru Smith: Horii Ryūunsai Minamoto Sadamitsu Date: 慶応二丙寅十一月日, November 1866 Period: Late Edo period, Keiō era Certificate: NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Tōken Certificate number: 1014950 Nagasa: 二尺四寸九分, approx. 75.4 cm Horimono: Kurikara-ryū with ken on one side; Siddham bonji on the other Nakago: Signed and dated, with mature patina Presentation: Shirasaya for preservation 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.