NihontoWatchThis katana, signed by Chounsai Emura , is a remarkable example of Shōwa-era craftsmanship, embodying both historical significance and exceptional artistry. Specifications: Signature: Chounsai Emura Saku Period: Shōwa (1926–1989) Blade Length (刃長): Approximately 67 cm Curvature (反り): Approximately 1.85 cm Mekugi-ana (目釘穴): 1 peg hole Blade Features: The blade is crafted in the shinogi-zukuri style, a traditional Japanese sword shape featuring a prominent ridge line and a flat back ( iori-mune ). The tempered edge ( hamon ) displays a wavy pattern ( gunome-midare ), blending aesthetic beauty with structural integrity. The blade’s balance and finish exemplify the Bizen tradition, renowned for its elegance and functionality. Mountings (Koshirae): The koshirae is designed to complement the blade's aesthetic while ensuring functionality. The handle ( tsuka ) is wrapped in a dark blue silk, with gold-colored menuki (ornamental grips) adding a touch of refinement. The scabbard ( saya ) is finished with a high-gloss black lacquer, exuding a formal and understated elegance. Historical Background This katana, with its historical roots and masterful execution, is not only a practical sword but also a treasured work of art. Crafted by Chounsai Emura, it stands as a rare and valuable piece of Japanese swordsmithing history, cherished by collectors and enthusiasts alike. Chounsai Emura , also known as Emura Shigetato, was a prominent Japanese swordsmith active during the Shōwa era (1926–1989) . Based in Okayama, he served as the head of a prison, where he established a unique sword-making school to support Japan’s wartime efforts during World War II. Operating under the Bizen tradition , Emura crafted blades of remarkable quality, training prisoners in the art of swordsmithing and producing swords for military use. Despite being an amateur smith, his works are celebrated for their exceptional craftsmanship, featuring intricate hamon (tempered edge patterns) and tightly grained ji
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Kochi · around 1926-1989
Shōwa to the present: destruction and revival
The twentieth century nearly killed the craft twice: wartime distortion, then the occupation ban. The NBTHK’s founding in 1948 and licensed forging from 1953 rebuilt the sword as an art, crowned by Living National Treasures and the mukansa rank.
Certifies a genuine blade worth preserving: a signature confirmed correct, or, if unsigned, an era, province, and school that the NBTHK can reliably identify.
The NBTHK (Nihon Bijutsu Tōken Hozon Kyōkai, the Society for the Preservation of Japanese Art Swords) is a public-interest incorporated foundation founded in 1948 and supervised by Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs (Bunkachō); it is based at the Japanese Sword Museum in Tokyo. Its expert panels physically examine each submitted work (shinsa) and issue a certificate (kanteishō) ranking it by artistic and historical merit. NBTHK papers are the most widely recognized standard of authentication for Japanese swords and fittings.
NBTHK official site30-day money-back guarantee from receipt; items must be unused, complete, in original packaging. Sale items Final Sale. Antique swords non-returnable (Japanese export law). Damage reported within 72 hours. Customer pays return shipping unless seller error/defect. Refunds within 14 days of inspection.