This is an exquisite tsuba crafted from well-forged iron, featuring a delicate and highly skilled openwork design of connected Paulownia (Gosan Kiri) crests. Its large size makes it an impressive addition to a koshirae, sure to stand out. It is also suitable for appreciation as a standalone art piece.
Certificate reading — 無銘（京透）
NihontoWatchmumei · Kyo Sukashi/shoami · 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 siteReturns accepted within 3 days of delivery for defective items or significant discrepancies; customer bears return shipping and bank fees.
