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Description

This is a tsuba by Soheishi-nyudo Munenori of the Soten school, dating to the middle Edo period (circa 1716). It features a round iron plate with nikubori-jisukashi (relief carving and openwork) and gold, silver, and suaka inlays. The tsuba is accompanied by an NBTHK Hozon Tosogu certificate.

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Fittings›Hikone›Munenori›Tsuba: Soheishi-nyudo Munenori (Soten) Koshi-seiyu-zu-Tsuba
tsubaHozon
Hikone Munenori

Tsuba: Soheishi-nyudo Munenori (Soten) Koshi-seiyu-zu-Tsuba

Soten · Edo

¥360,000
Visit seller website →
Hikone Munenori — 1 of 15
Hikone Munenori — 2 of 15
Hikone Munenori — 3 of 15
Hikone Munenori — 4 of 15
Hikone Munenori — 5 of 15
Hikone Munenori — 6 of 15
Hikone Munenori — 7 of 15
Hikone Munenori — 8 of 15
Hikone Munenori — 9 of 15
Hikone Munenori — 10 of 15
Hikone Munenori — 11 of 15
Hikone Munenori — 12 of 15
Hikone Munenori — 13 of 15
Hikone Munenori — 14 of 15
Hikone Munenori — 15 of 15
1 / 15
1 / 15
Hikone Munenori — 1 of 15Hikone Munenori — 2 of 15Hikone Munenori — 3 of 15Hikone Munenori — 4 of 15Hikone Munenori — 5 of 15Hikone Munenori — 6 of 15Hikone Munenori — 7 of 15Hikone Munenori — 8 of 15Hikone Munenori — 9 of 15Hikone Munenori — 10 of 15Hikone Munenori — 11 of 15Hikone Munenori — 12 of 15Hikone Munenori — 13 of 15Hikone Munenori — 14 of 15Hikone Munenori — 15 of 15
Measurements & details
Maker

Hikone Munenori

Era

Edo

Province

Ōmi

Papers

Hozon (NBTHK)

Description

This is a tsuba by Soheishi-nyudo Munenori of the Soten school, dating to the middle Edo period (circa 1716). It features a round iron plate with nikubori-jisukashi (relief carving and openwork) and gold, silver, and suaka inlays. The tsuba is accompanied by an NBTHK Hozon Tosogu certificate.

About the maker

Munenori

宗矩

Kinko

1 piece on the market now

›

Munenori is recorded as a maker working within the broader Myochin tradition of metalwork, though the surviving designated pieces under this attribution reveal a complex intersection of lineages. The Sōken Kishō identifies one Munenori as originally of Kyoto, who later settled in Hikone in Ōmi Province and entered the service of the Kawakita family, retainers of the Hikone domain. He is credited as the founder of the Hikone-bori carving tradition. Historical sources suggest that two generations may have borne the same name, with the first generation's activity spanning from the early into the mid-Edo period. Certain works also bear collaborative attributions alongside Gotō school masters, attested by period origami documentation.

The designated works display an assured command of shakudō nanako-ji ground preparation and boldly modeled takabori relief carving, enriched with polychrome iroe metalwork employing gold, silver, shibuichi, and refined copper (suaka). A representative tsuba renders the twelve zodiac animals across both faces in high relief with multiple varieties of gold, producing a sumptuous, animated effect characteristic of Munenori's mature style. Fittings attributed to this lineage also include mitokoromono sets and aikuchi koshirae mountings unified by heraldic mitsudomoe crest motifs, demonstrating facility across the full range of sword-furniture forms — kozuka, kōgai, menuki, and fuchi-kashira. The use of gilt reverse surfaces (ura fukkin) and gold fukurin rim wraps further attests to the high-status patronage these works commanded.

Munenori's significance rests on the synthesis of vigorous pictorial composition with refined polychrome technique, producing fittings of considerable decorative ambition. The surviving origami — including one dated Kanbun 5 (1665) from Gotō Mitsutomo — provide valuable documentary evidence for workshop practices and collaborative production in the early to mid-Edo period. The quality of preservation across the designated works, together with the richness of their metalwork vocabulary, confirms Munenori as an artist of the first rank within the Hikone-bori and broader Edo-period fitting-making traditions.

1 work by Munenori on the market→
Munenori — full profileKinko school
About the school

Hikone

彦根

Kinko · Omi

30 pieces on the market now

›

The Hikone school of sword fittings -- known as Hikone-bori -- was established at Nakayabu in Hikone, Omi Province, by Mogarashi Nyudo Soten, who settled there after leaving Kyoto and entered the service of the Kawakita family, hereditary vassals of the Hikone domain. One source records that Soten initially trained under the Goto family, citing the Kinko Soran for the existence of works signed "made by Kitagawa Hidenori, a disciple of the Goto," before developing the distinctive carving manner that would define his lineage. Learn more →

2 recorded smiths13 designated works
Leading smiths
SmithEraDesignated
Soten宗典Edo10
Kanenori包教Edo3
Masatsugu政次Edo0
Mitsuyoshi光義Edo0
Munekata宗賢Edo0
Explore the Hikone school →
NBTHK Certificate
Hozon Tōsōgu保存刀装具
Fitting Worthy of Preservation
›

Certifies a genuine fitting worth preserving: a correct signature, or, if unsigned, an identifiable era and school, with recognized artistic and craft value.

About the NBTHK›

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→
Seller
W
World Seiyudo
Established 2008 · 18 yrs on the market
🇯🇵Ships from Japan
›
✓Verified dealerworld-seiyudo.com
Settles in JPY
✓Ships worldwide✓English supportWire transferPayPalCredit card
Return policy

No cooling-off period or returns; refund only if the purchased sword is proven fake, capped at purchase price (excludes commission sales, accessories, auction items).

View all of World Seiyudo’s listings→View this item on the dealer’s site→

More from the Hikone school

View all →
Iida Koendo
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Tsuba - Tokuho - by Hikone Kanenori - Fishing Fox Sukashi - Kan-eishi Nomura KanenoriTsuba - Tokuho - by Hikone Kanenori - Fishing Fox Sukashi - Kan-eishi Nomura Kanenori

Tsuba

ByHikone Kanenori
¥660,000
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Kozuka - Tokuho - by Hikone Mitsumasa - Rinsendo MitsumasaKozuka - Tokuho - by Hikone Mitsumasa - Rinsendo Mitsumasa

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ByHikone Mitsumasa
¥1,575
Samurai Nippon
Tokuho
Tsuba - Tokuho - by Hikone School - Rinnasei ni Rihaku Kanbaku ZuTsuba - Tokuho - by Hikone School - Rinnasei ni Rihaku Kanbaku Zu

Tsuba

ByHikone School
¥585,000
Katanahanbai
Tokuho
Tsuba - Tokuho - by Hikone School - Tsuba (Daisho): Battle of Uji River Design - Mumei HikoneTsuba - Tokuho - by Hikone School - Tsuba (Daisho): Battle of Uji River Design - Mumei Hikone

Tsuba

ByHikone School
¥680,000
Toushin
Tokuho
Tsuba - Tokuho - by Hikone School - Group of Immortals Sukashi by Goshu Hikone ju Genjushi Kadono YukinagaTsuba - Tokuho - by Hikone School - Group of Immortals Sukashi by Goshu Hikone ju Genjushi Kadono Yukinaga

Tsuba

ByHikone School
¥715,000
Shoubudou
Hozon
Tsuba - Hozon - by Hikone School - Mogarashi Nyudo Soten from Goshu HikoneTsuba - Hozon - by Hikone School - Mogarashi Nyudo Soten from Goshu Hikone

Tsuba

ByHikone School
¥320,000

Swords

  • Katana
  • Wakizashi
  • Tantō
  • Tachi
  • Naginata
  • Yari

Fittings

  • Tsuba
  • Fuchi-Kashira
  • Kozuka
  • Menuki

By Certification

  • Tokujū
  • Jūyō
  • Tokuho
  • Hozon

Resources

  • Dealer Directory
  • Artist Directory
  • Glossary
  • Browse All
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Description

This is a tsuba by Soheishi-nyudo Munenori of the Soten school, dating to the middle Edo period (circa 1716). It features a round iron plate with nikubori-jisukashi (relief carving and openwork) and gold, silver, and suaka inlays. The tsuba is accompanied by an NBTHK Hozon Tosogu certificate.

NihontoWatch MonNihontoWatchBETA
MarketAuctionsEncyclopedia
Fittings›Hikone›Munenori›Tsuba: Soheishi-nyudo Munenori (Soten) Koshi-seiyu-zu-Tsuba
tsubaHozon
Hikone Munenori

Tsuba: Soheishi-nyudo Munenori (Soten) Koshi-seiyu-zu-Tsuba

Soten · Edo

¥360,000
Visit seller website →
Hikone Munenori — 1 of 15
Hikone Munenori — 2 of 15
Hikone Munenori — 3 of 15
Hikone Munenori — 4 of 15
Hikone Munenori — 5 of 15
Hikone Munenori — 6 of 15
Hikone Munenori — 7 of 15
Hikone Munenori — 8 of 15
Hikone Munenori — 9 of 15
Hikone Munenori — 10 of 15
Hikone Munenori — 11 of 15
Hikone Munenori — 12 of 15
Hikone Munenori — 13 of 15
Hikone Munenori — 14 of 15
Hikone Munenori — 15 of 15
1 / 15
1 / 15
Hikone Munenori — 1 of 15Hikone Munenori — 2 of 15Hikone Munenori — 3 of 15Hikone Munenori — 4 of 15Hikone Munenori — 5 of 15Hikone Munenori — 6 of 15Hikone Munenori — 7 of 15Hikone Munenori — 8 of 15Hikone Munenori — 9 of 15Hikone Munenori — 10 of 15Hikone Munenori — 11 of 15Hikone Munenori — 12 of 15Hikone Munenori — 13 of 15Hikone Munenori — 14 of 15Hikone Munenori — 15 of 15
Measurements & details
Maker

Hikone Munenori

Era

Edo

Province

Ōmi

Papers

Hozon (NBTHK)

Description

This is a tsuba by Soheishi-nyudo Munenori of the Soten school, dating to the middle Edo period (circa 1716). It features a round iron plate with nikubori-jisukashi (relief carving and openwork) and gold, silver, and suaka inlays. The tsuba is accompanied by an NBTHK Hozon Tosogu certificate.

About the maker

Munenori

宗矩

Kinko

1 piece on the market now

›

Munenori is recorded as a maker working within the broader Myochin tradition of metalwork, though the surviving designated pieces under this attribution reveal a complex intersection of lineages. The Sōken Kishō identifies one Munenori as originally of Kyoto, who later settled in Hikone in Ōmi Province and entered the service of the Kawakita family, retainers of the Hikone domain. He is credited as the founder of the Hikone-bori carving tradition. Historical sources suggest that two generations may have borne the same name, with the first generation's activity spanning from the early into the mid-Edo period. Certain works also bear collaborative attributions alongside Gotō school masters, attested by period origami documentation.

The designated works display an assured command of shakudō nanako-ji ground preparation and boldly modeled takabori relief carving, enriched with polychrome iroe metalwork employing gold, silver, shibuichi, and refined copper (suaka). A representative tsuba renders the twelve zodiac animals across both faces in high relief with multiple varieties of gold, producing a sumptuous, animated effect characteristic of Munenori's mature style. Fittings attributed to this lineage also include mitokoromono sets and aikuchi koshirae mountings unified by heraldic mitsudomoe crest motifs, demonstrating facility across the full range of sword-furniture forms — kozuka, kōgai, menuki, and fuchi-kashira. The use of gilt reverse surfaces (ura fukkin) and gold fukurin rim wraps further attests to the high-status patronage these works commanded.

Munenori's significance rests on the synthesis of vigorous pictorial composition with refined polychrome technique, producing fittings of considerable decorative ambition. The surviving origami — including one dated Kanbun 5 (1665) from Gotō Mitsutomo — provide valuable documentary evidence for workshop practices and collaborative production in the early to mid-Edo period. The quality of preservation across the designated works, together with the richness of their metalwork vocabulary, confirms Munenori as an artist of the first rank within the Hikone-bori and broader Edo-period fitting-making traditions.

1 work by Munenori on the market→
Munenori — full profileKinko school
About the school

Hikone

彦根

Kinko · Omi

30 pieces on the market now

›

The Hikone school of sword fittings -- known as Hikone-bori -- was established at Nakayabu in Hikone, Omi Province, by Mogarashi Nyudo Soten, who settled there after leaving Kyoto and entered the service of the Kawakita family, hereditary vassals of the Hikone domain. One source records that Soten initially trained under the Goto family, citing the Kinko Soran for the existence of works signed "made by Kitagawa Hidenori, a disciple of the Goto," before developing the distinctive carving manner that would define his lineage. Learn more →

2 recorded smiths13 designated works
Leading smiths
SmithEraDesignated
Soten宗典Edo10
Kanenori包教Edo3
Masatsugu政次Edo0
Mitsuyoshi光義Edo0
Munekata宗賢Edo0
Explore the Hikone school →
NBTHK Certificate
Hozon Tōsōgu保存刀装具
Fitting Worthy of Preservation
›

Certifies a genuine fitting worth preserving: a correct signature, or, if unsigned, an identifiable era and school, with recognized artistic and craft value.

About the NBTHK›

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→
Seller
W
World Seiyudo
Established 2008 · 18 yrs on the market
🇯🇵Ships from Japan
›
✓Verified dealerworld-seiyudo.com
Settles in JPY
✓Ships worldwide✓English supportWire transferPayPalCredit card
Return policy

No cooling-off period or returns; refund only if the purchased sword is proven fake, capped at purchase price (excludes commission sales, accessories, auction items).

View all of World Seiyudo’s listings→View this item on the dealer’s site→

More from the Hikone school

View all →
Iida Koendo
Jūyō
Tsuba - Jūyō - by Hikone Soten - Tosogu: Mogarashi Nyudo Soten, Made at the Age of Seventy, Residing in Koshu HikoneTsuba - Jūyō - by Hikone Soten - Tosogu: Mogarashi Nyudo Soten, Made at the Age of Seventy, Residing in Koshu Hikone

Tsuba

ByHikone Soten
¥5,500,000
Toushin
Tokuho
Tsuba - Tokuho - by Hikone Kanenori - Tsurigitsune Sukashi Tsuba by Kaneishi Nomura Kanetsune, Goshu Hikone JuTsuba - Tokuho - by Hikone Kanenori - Tsurigitsune Sukashi Tsuba by Kaneishi Nomura Kanetsune, Goshu Hikone Ju

Tsuba

ByHikone Kanenori
¥1,210,000
Toushin
Tokuho
Tsuba - Tokuho - by Hikone Kanenori - Fishing Fox Sukashi - Kan-eishi Nomura KanenoriTsuba - Tokuho - by Hikone Kanenori - Fishing Fox Sukashi - Kan-eishi Nomura Kanenori

Tsuba

ByHikone Kanenori
¥660,000
Nihontocraft
Tokuho
Kozuka - Tokuho - by Hikone Mitsumasa - Rinsendo MitsumasaKozuka - Tokuho - by Hikone Mitsumasa - Rinsendo Mitsumasa

Kozuka

ByHikone Mitsumasa
¥1,575
Samurai Nippon
Tokuho
Tsuba - Tokuho - by Hikone School - Rinnasei ni Rihaku Kanbaku ZuTsuba - Tokuho - by Hikone School - Rinnasei ni Rihaku Kanbaku Zu

Tsuba

ByHikone School
¥585,000
Katanahanbai
Tokuho
Tsuba - Tokuho - by Hikone School - Tsuba (Daisho): Battle of Uji River Design - Mumei HikoneTsuba - Tokuho - by Hikone School - Tsuba (Daisho): Battle of Uji River Design - Mumei Hikone

Tsuba

ByHikone School
¥680,000
Toushin
Tokuho
Tsuba - Tokuho - by Hikone School - Group of Immortals Sukashi by Goshu Hikone ju Genjushi Kadono YukinagaTsuba - Tokuho - by Hikone School - Group of Immortals Sukashi by Goshu Hikone ju Genjushi Kadono Yukinaga

Tsuba

ByHikone School
¥715,000
Shoubudou
Hozon
Tsuba - Hozon - by Hikone School - Mogarashi Nyudo Soten from Goshu HikoneTsuba - Hozon - by Hikone School - Mogarashi Nyudo Soten from Goshu Hikone

Tsuba

ByHikone School
¥320,000

Swords

  • Katana
  • Wakizashi
  • Tantō
  • Tachi
  • Naginata
  • Yari

Fittings

  • Tsuba
  • Fuchi-Kashira
  • Kozuka
  • Menuki

By Certification

  • Tokujū
  • Jūyō
  • Tokuho
  • Hozon

Resources

  • Dealer Directory
  • Artist Directory
  • Glossary
  • Browse All
Nihontowatch© 2026
TermsPrivacyCookiesAbout
NihontoWatch Mon

NihontoWatchBETA

MarketAuctions
Encyclopedia
NihontoWatch Mon

NihontoWatchBETA

MarketAuctions
Encyclopedia