This is a mumei tsuba attributed to Ko-Akasaka, featuring a Musashino design with reeds and dew in openwork. It is thick and substantial, with a fine iron ground that shows clear lamination over time. The tsuba was certified Hozon by the NBTHK in 2021.
Certificate reading — 無銘（古赤坂）
NihontoWatchmumei · Ko-Akasaka · Koto
Ko-Akasaka School
Kotō
Musashi
Unsigned
Hozon (NBTHK)
Iron-tsuba
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 siteDomestic: items may be returned within 7 days in original condition for a full refund (buyer covers transport). Overseas orders: no-refunds, no-returns.
This is a mumei tsuba attributed to Ko-Akasaka, featuring a Musashino design with reeds and dew in openwork. It is thick and substantial, with a fine iron ground that shows clear lamination over time. The tsuba was certified Hozon by the NBTHK in 2021.
Certificate reading — 無銘（古赤坂）
NihontoWatchmumei · Ko-Akasaka · Koto
Ko-Akasaka School
Kotō
Musashi
Unsigned
Hozon (NBTHK)
Iron-tsuba
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 siteDomestic: items may be returned within 7 days in original condition for a full refund (buyer covers transport). Overseas orders: no-refunds, no-returns.
