Royal Shinto Katana – 神皇刀

Specifications:

• Full tang construction
• SHARP blade
• Hand-forged
• Double BO-HI
• Blade material: 1060 carbon steel
• Habaki material: brass
• Finely carved copper tsuba
• Lacquered wooden saya with dragon motif and cotton sageo
• Cotton tsuka-ito
• Total length: 105 cm
• Blade length: 72 cm
• Blade width: 3.2 cm
• Blade thickness: 0.7 cm
• Handle length: 30 cm

• Includes: Katana and matching scabbard

Royal Shinto Katana - Imperial Chrysanthemum Japanese Samurai Sword with Grooved Blade

Command imperial dignity with our Royal Shinto katana featuring the sacred chrysanthemum crest. This museum-quality Japanese samurai sword showcases a pristine silver blade with distinctive grooved fuller, magnificent bronze guard adorned with the imperial sixteen-petal chrysanthemum (kiku mon), matching bronze habaki, cream white diamond-wrapped handle, and elegant cream scabbard, rendered in supreme craftsmanship that captures the essence of Japan's imperial heritage and the divine authority of warrior nobility who served the emperor directly.

Detailed Blade Description

The centerpiece of this magnificent katana is its pristine mirror-polished silver blade featuring distinctive vertical grooves (bo-hi or fuller) running along its length. These parallel channels serve both functional and aesthetic purposes - they reduce blade weight without compromising structural integrity while creating elegant linear patterns that catch light beautifully.

The grooved design adds refined visual sophistication, transforming the blade surface into sculptural study of light and shadow. The channels create subtle depth and dimensional quality that distinguishes this blade from standard flat designs. Traditional Japanese swordsmiths carved these fullers to achieve perfect balance while maintaining cutting power.

The blade demonstrates authentic Japanese sword construction with traditional curvature, visible hamon (temper line), and proper kissaki (blade tip) geometry. The mirror-polished steel creates brilliant reflections that showcase superior polishing techniques, while the grooves add elegant detail that rewards closer inspection.

Imperial Chrysanthemum Guard

The magnificent tsuba (guard) features beautiful bronze or copper finish adorned with the sixteen-petal chrysanthemum (kikumon) - the sacred emblem of Japan's imperial family. This prestigious symbol has represented the emperor and imperial house for over a millennium, making its presence on a katana profoundly significant.

The chrysanthemum is rendered in golden relief against the bronze guard surface, with each of the sixteen petals precisely formed and radiating from the central disc in perfect symmetry. This geometric perfection reflects the divine order associated with imperial authority. The flower design creates elegant focal point that immediately signals this katana's connection to Japan's highest nobility.

The warm bronze tones create sophisticated aesthetic that evokes ancient court treasures and aristocratic refinement. The guard's octagonal or circular form maintains traditional Japanese design principles while the imperial crest elevates the weapon's cultural significance beyond mere martial tool to symbol of divine right and noble heritage.

The matching bronze habaki (blade collar) features smooth polished finish that coordinates perfectly with the guard, creating cohesive warm metallic accent theme.

Handle Construction

The tsuka (handle) features traditional diamond-pattern wrapping in pristine cream white cord over genuine same (ray skin), creating the classic criss-cross texture that provides secure grip and authentic samurai aesthetics. The all-white wrapping creates pure, elegant appearance that reflects the spiritual purity associated with Shinto shrines and imperial ceremonies.

This monochrome cream aesthetic suggests ceremonial purpose rather than battlefield function - a blade for court appearances, ritual occasions, and formal presentations rather than common warfare. The immaculate white wrapping must remain pristine, symbolizing the moral purity expected of warriors serving the imperial household.

White menuki (ornamental pins) blend seamlessly with the wrapping while providing subtle decorative elements beneath the cord. The handle's refined simplicity creates sophisticated restraint that allows the imperial chrysanthemum guard to remain the primary symbolic focal point.

Elegant Cream Scabbard

The saya (scabbard) showcases smooth cream lacquer finish that matches the handle's elegant white aesthetic. The pristine surface creates pure, refined appearance free from decorative distractions - this minimalist approach reflects the aesthetic principles of Shinto shrines where simplicity and purity are paramount.

The monochromatic cream color evokes sacred rice paper, ceremonial garments, and the natural wood of shrine architecture. This choice creates unified visual narrative celebrating purity, nobility, and spiritual refinement over ostentatious display.

Bronze metal fittings at the mouth (koiguchi) and tip (kojiri) coordinate perfectly with the guard and habaki, creating cohesive bronze accent theme against the cream base. Cream sageo (cord) maintains the immaculate white aesthetic throughout the entire weapon.

Imperial & Spiritual Significance

The Royal Shinto katana embodies the sacred connection between Japanese imperial authority and Shinto religious tradition. The sixteen-petal chrysanthemum is not merely decorative - it represents over a thousand years of imperial lineage and the belief that emperors descend from sun goddess Amaterasu. Warriors privileged to carry weapons bearing this crest served as direct extensions of imperial will.

The pure white color scheme reinforces Shinto concepts of cleanliness and spiritual purity, while the bronze fittings suggest ancient ritual objects preserved in shrine treasuries. This design celebrates the intersection of martial prowess, imperial service, and spiritual devotion.

Simple Black Display Stand

This katana comes with an elegant black display stand featuring traditional construction and simple aesthetic that allows the sword's refined beauty to command full attention. The dark stand creates perfect contrast for the cream and bronze elements, ensuring the imperial chrysanthemum remains visible focal point. Small family crest medallions on the stand reinforce the theme of noble heritage.

Style & Purpose

This Royal Shinto katana represents the highest levels of cultural and historical significance in Japanese sword design. The imperial chrysanthemum makes it perfect for collectors who appreciate Japan's imperial heritage and the sacred connection between emperor, shrine, and samurai, while the authentic construction ensures it remains a genuine samurai sword suitable for martial arts practice (iaido, kenjutsu) with proper training.

The refined aesthetic - grooved silver blade, bronze imperial chrysanthemum guard, cream white handle and scabbard - creates a design narrative celebrating purity, nobility, and divine authority. Perfect for serious collectors seeking historically significant pieces, those who appreciate minimalist Japanese aesthetics, or anyone who wants their katana collection to include representation of Japan's imperial tradition.

Care Instructions: Store in climate-controlled environment away from moisture. The pristine cream scabbard and handle require careful maintenance to preserve immaculate appearance - clean with soft cloth immediately after handling. Apply light oil to blade, taking care to clean grooves thoroughly. The bronze fittings benefit from occasional gentle polishing to maintain warm luster without damaging the chrysanthemum relief. This sacred imperial symbol deserves utmost respect in both display and care. Handle as both functional weapon and cultural treasure representing Japan's imperial legacy.

Honor the imperial chrysanthemum. Add this Royal Shinto katana to your collection today.