This tsuba features a dynamic design of a dragon emerging from waves and ascending into the clouds. Crafted from iron, the entire surface is rendered in sukidashi takabori (raised carving) with gold dot inlays highlighting the dragon's eyes. The maker, Goto Kinshima of Nihonmatsu, is otherwise unknown, and 'Kinshima' is an variant character for 'Shima'. It is speculated that he may have been a metalworker for the Nihonmatsu domain, making this a rare and valuable piece of metalwork associated with Nihonmatsu. It received Hozon certification in February 2026.
NihontoWatchBETAmei · Goto · Edo
Goto School
Edo
Mutsu
Signed
Hozon (NBTHK)
Iebori · Yamashiro
300 pieces on the market now
The Goto house stands as the preeminent dynasty of sword-fitting makers in the history of Japanese metalwork, an unbroken lineage of seventeen generations spanning from the founding master Yujo (1440--1512), who served Ashikaga Yoshimasa amid the refined culture of Higashiyama, through the final head Hojo (1816--1856) in the closing years of the Tokugawa shogunate. Learn more →
| Smith | Era | Designated |
|---|---|---|
| Goto Joshin後藤乗真 | 1512-1562 | 69 |
| Goto Yujo後藤祐乗 | 1440-1512 | 41 |
| Goto Kenjo後藤顕乗 | 1586-1663 | 46 |
| Goto Sojo後藤宗乗 | 1461-1538 | 55 |
| Goto Eijo後藤栄乗 | 1577-1617 | 35 |
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 tsuba features a dynamic design of a dragon emerging from waves and ascending into the clouds. Crafted from iron, the entire surface is rendered in sukidashi takabori (raised carving) with gold dot inlays highlighting the dragon's eyes. The maker, Goto Kinshima of Nihonmatsu, is otherwise unknown, and 'Kinshima' is an variant character for 'Shima'. It is speculated that he may have been a metalworker for the Nihonmatsu domain, making this a rare and valuable piece of metalwork associated with Nihonmatsu. It received Hozon certification in February 2026.
NihontoWatchBETAmei · Goto · Edo
Goto School
Edo
Mutsu
Signed
Hozon (NBTHK)
Iebori · Yamashiro
300 pieces on the market now
The Goto house stands as the preeminent dynasty of sword-fitting makers in the history of Japanese metalwork, an unbroken lineage of seventeen generations spanning from the founding master Yujo (1440--1512), who served Ashikaga Yoshimasa amid the refined culture of Higashiyama, through the final head Hojo (1816--1856) in the closing years of the Tokugawa shogunate. Learn more →
| Smith | Era | Designated |
|---|---|---|
| Goto Joshin後藤乗真 | 1512-1562 | 69 |
| Goto Yujo後藤祐乗 | 1440-1512 | 41 |
| Goto Kenjo後藤顕乗 | 1586-1663 | 46 |
| Goto Sojo後藤宗乗 | 1461-1538 | 55 |
| Goto Eijo後藤栄乗 | 1577-1617 | 35 |
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.
