This tsuba, made by the third generation of the Sunagawa family, Sunagawa Masayoshi (also known as Shohakudo), features a dynamic design of a dragon crossing Mount Fuji. Masayoshi was renowned for his depictions of flora like chrysanthemums, orchids, and pines, as well as dragons. The intricate sukidashi-bori (relief carving) technique beautifully captures the powerful imagery of the dragon, showcasing the artist's exceptional skill. The iron has a good texture and the overall workmanship is excellent.
Certificate reading — 銘 松柏堂 砂川正吉（花押）
NihontoWatchmei · Sunagawa School · Edo
Sunagawa Masayoshi
Edo
Signed
Hozon (NBTHK)
4 pieces on the market now
Certifies a genuine fitting worth preserving: a correct signature, or, if unsigned, an identifiable era and school, with recognized artistic and craft 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 siteReturns accepted within 7 days for internet purchases.
This tsuba, made by the third generation of the Sunagawa family, Sunagawa Masayoshi (also known as Shohakudo), features a dynamic design of a dragon crossing Mount Fuji. Masayoshi was renowned for his depictions of flora like chrysanthemums, orchids, and pines, as well as dragons. The intricate sukidashi-bori (relief carving) technique beautifully captures the powerful imagery of the dragon, showcasing the artist's exceptional skill. The iron has a good texture and the overall workmanship is excellent.
Certificate reading — 銘 松柏堂 砂川正吉（花押）
NihontoWatchmei · Sunagawa School · Edo
Sunagawa Masayoshi
Edo
Signed
Hozon (NBTHK)
4 pieces on the market now
Certifies a genuine fitting worth preserving: a correct signature, or, if unsigned, an identifiable era and school, with recognized artistic and craft 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 siteReturns accepted within 7 days for internet purchases.
