Certification Service
Our society offers two certification options to give our members increased confidence in the authenticity of their belongings. The certification process confirms the genuineness of owned items. Our certification program grants members peace of mind and reinforces safeguarding their possessions.
Our Certificate of Provence (CP) is an entry-level authentication service that professional dealers favour for independent documentation to bolster sales. Members can also leverage this certification to support items within their personal collections for insurance purposes. In the event of a sale, the new owner gains a valuable form of reassurance regarding the authenticity of the acquired item(s). This certificate serves as a trusted and independent paper trail, offering tangible support for ensuring confidence in the genuine nature of the possessions involved. Certificates of Provance are issued by an expert in Japanese Armour appointed by the KNKBSK executive committee. The Certificate of Provance can also be used for reduced-duty entry at ports worldwide. If antiques are exported to certain countries, they may qualify for duty-free or reduced-duty-entry if they are accompanied by a specific pre-printed (CP), which also acts as a certificate of antiquity.
Members can commission a Kiwame Fuda (KF) for exceptional items for authentication. During the late Edo period, armour craftsmen such as the Myōchin and Haruta schools of katchū-shi introduced a certification document known as a ‘kiwame-fuda’. This certificate offered a detailed armour description along with a specific date. The KNKBSK produces a book version that represents a 21st-century adaptation of the Kiwame-Fuda, leveraging modern technology to incorporate photographs and illustrations that surpass the graphic descriptions of the past. The primary goal of this book is to equip the owner with comprehensive knowledge, ensuring a thorough understanding of each component in significant detail.
Obtaining a Certificate of Provenance (CP)
Certificates can be issued by members with professional dealerships or through other authorized channels. Collectors can also directly request a certificate issued by the society. Certificates of Provenance are issued via our offices in the United Kingdom and Japan.
Pricing excluding postage
£27.00 United Kingdom Pounds
¥6,800 Japanese Yen
Security Measures
Our certification process is designed with three layers of security to ensure authenticity. Firstly, each Certificate of Provance (CP) is distinguished with a unique hole-punched number at the top right-hand corner, which is a commonly used security measure by banks and government organizations in Japan, such as The Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai (NBTHK). This hole punch is created using a specialized machine for precision. The second level of security involves the application of a hanko stamp, manually placed at the bottom right of the certificate, for an added layer of authentication. Finally, the third level features an embossed stamp that showcases our trademarked logo, providing a visually distinct and secure element to the certification process. The society retains a digital copy of every certificate issued should a member need to verify its legitimacy.
Comission a Kiwame Fuda (KF)
Creating a Kiwame Fuda is a complex task that involves multiple factors. It represents the ultimate record of the piece and is produced in book format for a minimal print run. The armour and its components require professional photography in medium format. An expert appointed by the society conducts extensive research on the armour, its maker, and relevant historical information. Furthermore, detailed line drawings of the armour are commissioned to contribute to the illustrated glossary section.
Pricing excluding postage
£10,000
¥2,000,000 Japanese Yen