TJ04 Antique Katana sword Naoe Shizu - NBTHK Jūyō Tōken certificate 1300s

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Item# TJ04
Antique Katana Sword in Mounting
w/ NBTHK Jūyō Tōken Important Sword Certificate
by NBTHK

Swordsmith: Attributed to NAOE SHIZU

This important Japanese sword is an antique katana attributed to the prestigious Naoe Shizu school and accompanied by an NBTHK Jūyō Tōken certificate. A fine and highly collectible blade from SAMURAI STORE Tokyo, dating to the mid-Nanbokuchō period (AD 1356–1384).

Quick Facts

School: Naoe Shizu
Period: Nanbokuchō period (AD 1356–1384)
Certification: NBTHK Jūyō Tōken
Signature: Mumei (Attributed)
Sugata: Shinogi-zukuri
Horimono: Bōhi on both sides
Nakago: Ō-suriage

This elegant katana represents a fine and highly characteristic work attributed to the Naoe Shizu school, one of the most significant traditions of the Nanbokuchō period Mino Province.

The blade displays a graceful shinogi-zukuri sugata with a somewhat deep curvature and a refined taper from the base toward the tip, terminating in a compact chū-kissaki. The overall silhouette reflects the dynamic yet elegant sword shapes favored during the Nanbokuchō period.

The jihada is a finely forged itame-hada, densely compacted and enriched with delicate chikei, producing a vibrant and textured steel surface. The steel exhibits a bright and refined appearance with well-developed ji-nie, a hallmark of high-quality workmanship within this tradition.

The hamon forms a gentle notare-based pattern, interspersed with gunome, chōji, and pointed elements, a style strongly associated with the Naoe Shizu school. Within the hardened edge, abundant nie activity can be observed, including vivid sunagashi and striking kinsuji, lending the blade a powerful and animated character. Occasional areas of coarse nie further enhance the dynamic impression of the temper line.

The bōshi continues the hamon in a shallow notare with slight irregularity, returning in a ko-maru.

Both sides of the blade are carved with bōhi grooves running through, adding refinement to the overall appearance.

The nakago is ō-suriage, with sujikai yasurime, three mekugi-ana (two filled), and remains unsigned, as is typical for blades of this school.

Historical Context

The Shizu tradition of Mino Province traces its origins to the celebrated master Kanetsugu (兼氏), counted among the legendary Masamune Juttetsu — the Ten Great Disciples of Masamune.

After the flourishing of the Shizu school, several of Kanetsugu’s students—including Kanetomo, Kanetsugu, Kaneshige, and Kanenobu—relocated to the nearby region of Naoe, where they continued forging blades in the powerful Sōshū-influenced style introduced by their teacher.

The works of these smiths and their followers are collectively known today as the Naoe Shizu school, representing a crucial stage in the development of Mino swordmaking, bridging the traditions of Sōshū-den and the emerging Mino styles that would later produce masters such as Kanemoto and Kanesada.

Signed works by these smiths are exceedingly rare, and most extant blades attributed to the school survive as ō-suriage mumei examples judged by connoisseurship.

Appreciation

Blades attributed to Naoe Shizu are widely admired for their compelling fusion of Sōshū power and Mino elegance.

The lively interaction of nie, sunagashi, and kinsuji, combined with the refined jihada rich in chikei, creates a blade that is both technically impressive and aesthetically captivating.

This blade was certified as a JUYO paper "Important Antique Sword" by NBTHK (Japan Sword Preservation Society), the 2nd-highest ranking. Many of JUYO's blades are now in the museums. Examples granted the prestigious NBTHK Jūyō Tōken designation represent swords of particularly distinguished workmanship and historical importance, making them highly desirable among advanced collectors of Japanese swords. 

This blade stands as an excellent representative of the school’s tradition, displaying both vigorous hataraki and refined jigane, and offering a vivid glimpse into the dynamic swordmaking culture of the Nanbokuchō period.

Collector’s Note

For collectors seeking works connected to the Masamune lineage, blades of the Naoe Shizu school occupy an important and highly respected position.

They embody the powerful Sōshū techniques transmitted through Masamune’s circle while simultaneously laying the foundation for the great Mino traditions that would dominate later centuries of Japanese swordmaking.

A sword of this quality, recognized as NBTHK Jūyō Tōken, represents a significant acquisition and a compelling study piece for collectors and connoisseurs of the finest Japanese swords.

Also Comes With:
Standard Sword Bag

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