Japanese Katana Moritoshi NBTHK Hozon Imperial Guard Efu-Tachi Mounting with Crane & Cloud Motifs

Japanese Katana Moritoshi  NBTHK Hozon  Imperial Guard Efu-Tachi Mounting with Crane & Cloud Motifs

Soon available,

This remarkable Edo-period Japanese katana was forged by Moritoshi (守俊), real name Iwamoto Seizaemon, senior disciple of the legendary Kato Chōunsai Tsunatoshi, one of the foremost masters of the Shin-Shintō era.
Moritoshi served as official swordsmith to the Yoshikawa clan of the Iwakuni Domain, under the Chōshū Mori family. His mastery was such that Tsunatoshi I entrusted his successor to study under him, proof of the great esteem he commanded among samurai circles.

The blade shows a graceful, high-curved sugata, forged in a tight ko-itame hada with a luminous surface and gunome-midare hamon evoking the outline of Mount Fuji. Deep nioi-kuchi, lively ashi, and refined activity across the hamon reveal the superb heat control of a seasoned master. The sword feels perfectly balanced in hand—a harmony of beauty, strength, and precision.
Certified by the NBTHK Hozon Token, it is officially recognized as an authentic and preserved Japanese sword of significant cultural value.

Imperial Guard Mounting  Crane & Cloud Design

The ornate Efu-tachi koshirae is a highlight in itself. This style was traditionally worn by the Imperial Guards (Efu) and high court officials during state ceremonies—symbols of protection for the Emperor.
Its fittings are richly decorated with crane and cloud inlay in gold and silver. In Japanese symbolism, the crane (tsuru) represents longevity, loyalty, and eternal good fortune, often believed to live a thousand years. The clouds (kumo) signify divine presence and heavenly ascent, expressing purity and peace. Together, they embody noble protection and spiritual elevation—perfect themes for a guardian’s sword.

The hilt is adorned with a diamond-mon crest, and the gold-plated double habaki further enhances the regal impression. Despite minor age patina, the koshirae remains elegant and majestic—a true ceremonial masterpiece of the late Edo period.

A rare opportunity to acquire a Moritoshi katana with Imperial lineage, uniting artistry, symbolism, and the proud heritage of Japan’s final samurai age.

Highlights

• Important work by a direct disciple of Tsunatoshi, one of the leading Shin-Shintō masters

• NBTHK Hozon certified for authenticity and preservation

• Elegant Efu-tachi mounting, richly symbolic and refined

• A perfect harmony of aesthetic beauty and practical balance

• Historically linked to the Iwakuni and Chōshū samurai lineage

A Masterpiece of the Shin-Shintō Tradition

This sword embodies the transition of the late Edo period  a time when the art of sword-making was reaching its final flowering before the Meiji Restoration.
Moritoshi’s craftsmanship, rooted in the traditions of Tsunatoshi and the Bizen school, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the samurai and the mastery of Japan’s last great generation of traditional smiths.

Specifications

Swordsmith: Moritoshi (守俊)  real name Iwamoto Seizaemon; also known as Seiryū-shi / Seiryū-ken
School / Lineage: Senior disciple of Kato Chōunsai Tsunatoshi; working in the Bizen tradition
Province / Domain: Iwakuni Domain, under the Chōshū Mori Samurai family
Period: Late Edo period (around Kaei era, 1848–1860)
Certification: NBTHK Hozon Token (Preservation Sword)
Blade Length (Nagasa): 71.0 cm 
Curvature (Sori): 2.1 cm  elegant high curvature with refined balance
Width at Hamachi (Moto-haba): 31.7 mm
Thickness at Moto-kasane: 6.8 mm
Width at Kissaki (Saki-haba): 24.2 mm
Thickness at Saki-kasane: 4.8–5.3 mm
Kissaki Shape: Chū-kissaki with flowing yokote
Jihada: Well-forged ko-itame with clear ji-nuke
Hamon: Gunome-midare with Mount Fuji profile, deep nioi-kuchi and lively ashi
Nakago (Tang): Ubu (unaltered), one mekugi-ana
Weight (Blade only): 683 grams
Weight (With mounting): 1,021 grams
Mounting (Koshirae): Efu-tachi (Imperial Guard ceremonial mounting)
Koshirae Motif: Crane and cloud inlay symbolizing longevity, peace, and divine protection
Fittings: Gold and silver inlay with diamond-mon crest on hilt, double gold-plated habaki
Scabbard (Saya): White lacquered with gold-plated fittings
Condition: Excellent polish, minor age patina on fittings — well preserved
Provenance: Former private Japanese collection  first release in Europe.