This is a tsuba (sword guard) attributed to Ko Tousho, dating from the Muromachi period. It is unsigned (mumei) and features a simple, elegant design with minimal openwork, characteristic of early iron tsuba. The piece is certified as Tokubetsu Hozon by the NBTHK.
Certificate reading — 無銘（古刀匠）
NihontoWatch
Ko-tosho School
Kotō
Unsigned
Tokuho (NBTHK)
Tosho-Katchushi
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 siteCustomer-initiated returns accepted within two days of arrival; return shipping paid by customer and fees non-refundable. Returns/refunds unavailable for overseas deliveries.
This is a tsuba (sword guard) attributed to Ko Tousho, dating from the Muromachi period. It is unsigned (mumei) and features a simple, elegant design with minimal openwork, characteristic of early iron tsuba. The piece is certified as Tokubetsu Hozon by the NBTHK.
Certificate reading — 無銘（古刀匠）
NihontoWatchKo-tosho School
Kotō
Unsigned
Tokuho (NBTHK)
Tosho-Katchushi
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 siteCustomer-initiated returns accepted within two days of arrival; return shipping paid by customer and fees non-refundable. Returns/refunds unavailable for overseas deliveries.
