Japanese Swords & Tsuba

A selection of Antique Japanese Swords and Tsuba:
All my swords are either: NBTHK Hozon or NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificated.

The Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai (NBTHK) was founded in February 1948 as an Authorized Foundation by the Japanese Government, in order to save the Japanese sword that was in a critical situation of total destruction when the Occupation Forces tried to confiscate all the Japanese swords from the Japanese people just after World War II

Certification awarded by the Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai (NBTHK) to Japanese art swords. signifies that the sword is not only Authentic, but also of High Quality and Artistic Value, making it Worthy of Preservation.
The most prominent organizations that have issued sword certificates for Japanese swords, are the Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai (NBTHK) and the Nihon Token Hozon Kai (NTHK). Both of these organizations are highly respected for their appraisal and certification of Japanese swords.
However, those with NBTHK Certificates are considered the "Gold Standard".

Hozon (保存): The first level of certification, meaning "Worthy of Preservation".
(Hozon is the first of four levels, four being the highest level of honorable distinction.
The Hozon Certificate essentially dictates that the sword is “Worthy of Preservation.” It must be stressed that this is no small task to achieve. It is not uncommon for a sword dealer to submit ten swords for judgement and only receive two HOZON swords).

Tokubetsu Hozon (特別保存): The next level above Hozon, meaning "Especially Worthy of Preservation".
It indicates a higher standard of craftsmanship, authenticity, and historical significance.
The second of four levels of honorable distinction. For a sword to receive Tokubetsu Hozon the sword would have had to clear the seven Hozon criteria to such a fantastic degree to realize such importance.
When swords achieve such standing, their value increases substantially.

Keywords: Japanese; katana; wakizashi; tanto; sword; samurai; antique tsuba; edo period