This is a mumei Kyō-sukashi tsuba from the late Muromachi Period, 16th Century, featuring a design of iris and water plantain. Crafted from iron, it measures 7.7 x 7.6 x 0.4 cm and is certified Hozon Tōsogu by the NBTHK. The tsuba exhibits characteristics reminiscent of a period prior to the establishment of Kyō-sukashi work, with its use of open space and thin, sharp lines contrasting with heavier leaves.
Certificate reading — 無銘（京透）
NihontoWatchmumei · Kyo-Sukashi · early Muromachi (c. 1390-1430)
Kyo-sukashi School
early Muromachi (c. 1390-1430)
Unsigned
Hozon (NBTHK)
Iron-tsuba · Yamashiro
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 site€3,000
