This is a beautiful shibuichi tsuba signed 'Yoshi' (kao), an abbreviated signature of Yoshitoki from Shonai in Dewa Province. He was active from approximately 1700-1750 and is believed to have been a student of the first Yasuchika. The tsuba features a depiction of ink sticks with a dragon and a tiger, and comes with NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon papers attesting to its authenticity and high quality.
Certificate reading — 銘 宜（花押）
NihontoWatchmei · Shonai · Edo
A Hozon-certified fitting of notably superior craftsmanship and condition, often with signature or workmanship of high reference value.
The NBTHK (Nihon Bijutsu Tōken Hozon Kyōkai, the Society for the Preservation of Japanese Art Swords) is a public-interest incorporated foundation founded in 1948 and supervised by Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs (Bunkachō); it is based at the Japanese Sword Museum in Tokyo. Its expert panels physically examine each submitted work (shinsa) and issue a certificate (kanteishō) ranking it by artistic and historical merit. NBTHK papers are the most widely recognized standard of authentication for Japanese swords and fittings.
NBTHK official siteThree-day inspection period and seven-day return period; buyer notifies by email within three days of receipt, no reason needed; full refund once item returned undamaged and unaltered.
$4,150
