This is an unsigned Namban tsuba from the Edo period, featuring a design of two dragons chasing a tama amidst karakusa (intertwined vine) motifs. It is octagonal, made of iron, and incorporates inlay work with a raised rim. The tsuba is accompanied by NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Tosogu papers.
Certificate reading — 無銘（南蛮）
NihontoWatchmumei · Namban · Edo
Iron-tsuba
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 siteNo cooling-off period or returns; refund only if the purchased sword is proven fake, capped at purchase price (excludes commission sales, accessories, auction items).
¥350,000
