Polish Condition : Excellent — Free from noticeable scratches or rust, fully expressing the blade’s character.
Condition : Excellent — No structural issues and minimal signs of wear.
Purpose : Art & Practice
[Koshirae & Documentation]
Mountings : Tensho-Koshirae
Papers : Not applicable (modern sword; certification not issued under standard appraisal systems)
Polisher’s Perspectiv
Tokishima Kazumune Katana
Dated June 2010
This katana was forged by Tokishima Kazumune and bears a date inscription reading an auspicious day in June 2010.
Although a modern sword, it possesses a commanding presence rarely encountered among contemporary blades.
With a blade length of 73.8 cm (approximately 2 Shaku 4 Sun 3 Bu), a motohaba of 34.5 mm, and a blade weight of 990 grams excluding mountings, the sword displays a powerful and substantial form while maintaining elegant proportions throughout its length.
The overall sugata is wide and robust, yet remains balanced and refined rather than excessively heavy.
The hamon is a brilliant chōji-based pattern executed with confidence and consistency from the machi to the tip.
One of the most impressive qualities of this blade is the continuity of the temper line.
Many swords show variations or loss of intensity toward the monouchi, but this example maintains its character throughout the entire length of the blade.
The yakiba remains lively and well controlled, creating a strong visual rhythm while preserving clarity and order.
The kissaki is well shaped and the boshi continues naturally from the hamon without appearing forced or exaggerated.
Koshirae
The blade is mounted in a practical yet tasteful koshirae.
Particularly notable is the tsuba, an older iron example believed to date from the late Edo period.
Its quiet patina contrasts beautifully with the modern blade and creates an appealing dialogue between different periods of Japanese sword craftsmanship.
The remaining fittings are modern and functional, complementing the sword without distracting from it.
The saya is exceptionally smooth in operation, allowing the blade to be drawn and sheathed with ease and precision.
Impression
This is a modern katana that succeeds in combining strength with elegance.
Its wide proportions and substantial weight suggest a sword made with practical performance in mind, while the bright and uninterrupted chōji hamon demonstrates the skill and discipline of the smith.
While fully suitable for martial arts practice and tameshigiri when legally permitted and properly handled, the sword should first be appreciated as a work of traditional craftsmanship.
Rather than imitating a particular historical masterpiece, the sword stands confidently as a modern work in its own right.
For collectors, martial artists, and enthusiasts of contemporary swordsmithing alike, this blade offers a rewarding combination of presence, functionality, and artistic quality.
Acquire the Blade
This sword may be acquired as presented. The blade will be carefully prepared and shipped in its current condition.
Acquisition Options
Provenance Selection offers several acquisition options for collectors interested in traditionally made Japanese swords.Each option is designed to provide flexibility while respecting the legal, historical, and conservation aspects of Japanese swords.
All services are considered individually, with decisions made in accordance with the condition and character of each blade.
Where appropriate, professional polishing may be arranged.
Polishing is a traditional conservation process intended to preserve the blade and reveal its inherent characteristics.
As the process involves the removal of a small amount of steel, it is permanent and irreversible.
For this reason, polishing is never undertaken routinely.
Each blade is carefully evaluated to determine whether such work is appropriate.
In some cases, polishing may stabilize the blade or clarify its structure.
In others, preservation in its current state may be the more appropriate choice.
When properly executed and maintained, a blade typically does not require repolishing for many decades.
Typical costs: ¥150,000 – ¥400,000 depending on the blade and scope of work
Timeframe: several months to approximately one year depending on condition and availability
Custom sword bags may be commissioned to accompany the blade.
Each bag is made to fit the exact dimensions of the sword and may be prepared for both shirasaya and koshirae.
In Japanese sword culture, a blade is not left exposed.
Even in storage, it is kept within a dedicated cloth bag.
This practice serves not only to protect the surface and mounting, but also reflects a traditional attitude toward the care and presence of the sword.
Available materials may include silk chirimen, tsumugi, or repurposed traditional textiles, depending on availability.
Typical cost: approximately ¥15,000 – ¥30,000 depending on material
Submission for third-party authentication can be arranged for blades offered through this shop.
Authentication represents one perspective within the study of Japanese swords.
Evaluations issued by independent organizations reflect informed judgment, but do not constitute absolute determination.
A 20% deposit is required to reserve the blade during the authentication process.
This deposit is non-refundable.
Submission and handling fees are required to initiate the process and are also non-refundable.
If the blade is acquired following authentication, the deposit will be applied toward the purchase price.
A new shirasaya may be commissioned for the proper preservation of the blade.
Shirasaya are plain wooden mountings made specifically for storage, designed to protect the sword from environmental changes over time.
They are not decorative, but functional—serving as a stable and appropriate resting state for the blade when not in use.
Each shirasaya is crafted individually to fit the exact dimensions of the sword.
Typical cost: approximately ¥50,000 – ¥150,000
Custom koshirae may be commissioned upon request.
Each mounting is developed individually, considering the blade’s form, period, and inherent character. Rather than strict reproduction, the process allows for a range of possible directions, balancing historical context and aesthetic intention.
Fittings, lacquer, and overall composition are determined through consultation, and the work is entrusted to specialized craftsmen.
For commissioned work, the blade is required for measurement and fitting.
Typical cost: from approximately ¥300,000 depending on materials and scope
