This is a classic Kanayama tsuba featuring a traditional design of yotsukotoji (four koto bridges) in openwork. Made during the Muromachi period, it has a compact, well-proportioned iron plate with a rich, dark patina and subtle iron bones on the rim. The design is symmetrical and simple, giving it an antique charm.
mumei · Kanayama · Muromachi

Kanayama School
Muromachi
Unsigned
Hozon (NBTHK)
Iron-tsuba · Owari
The Kanayama school of iron tsuba emerged in the vicinity of Kanayama, a district near Atsuta Shrine in Owari Province, flourishing from the late Muromachi through the Momoyama period. The locality took its name from the enshrinement of the deity Kanayama-hiko, and local metalworkers developed a distinctive tradition of sword guards characterized by exceptional plate iron and an unadorned aesthetic sensibility. Learn more →
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 siteIf, due to our fault, the item differs significantly from its proper condition, the item may be returned. Cooling-off is within one week of the item's arrival.
This is a classic Kanayama tsuba featuring a traditional design of yotsukotoji (four koto bridges) in openwork. Made during the Muromachi period, it has a compact, well-proportioned iron plate with a rich, dark patina and subtle iron bones on the rim. The design is symmetrical and simple, giving it an antique charm.
mumei · Kanayama · Muromachi

Kanayama School
Muromachi
Unsigned
Hozon (NBTHK)
Iron-tsuba · Owari
The Kanayama school of iron tsuba emerged in the vicinity of Kanayama, a district near Atsuta Shrine in Owari Province, flourishing from the late Muromachi through the Momoyama period. The locality took its name from the enshrinement of the deity Kanayama-hiko, and local metalworkers developed a distinctive tradition of sword guards characterized by exceptional plate iron and an unadorned aesthetic sensibility. Learn more →
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 siteIf, due to our fault, the item differs significantly from its proper condition, the item may be returned. Cooling-off is within one week of the item's arrival.