NihontoWatchNihontoWatchPublished in: Kagamishi Tsuba by Sasano Masayuki Kagamishi Tsuba are believed to have been produced using the same casting techniques employed in the manufacture of ancient bronze mirrors. They were cast from Yamagane (unrefined native copper), giving them a subdued, mellow patina that evokes an elegant sense of age and refinement. Renowned for their understated beauty, Kagamishi Tsuba possess a quiet, profound aesthetic unlike any other category of sword fittings. Their rustic coloration, timeless dignity, and subtle depth of expression have long been admired by collectors. This example is notably large and imposing in form. In his authoritative work Kagamishi Tsuba, Sasano Masayuki attributes it to the mid-Muromachi period (15th century). It is an excellent example of the classical elegance and enduring charm characteristic of early Kagamishi Tsuba.
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The tsuba traditionally attributed to kagamishi (mirror makers) form a distinctive category within the Muromachi-period tosogu canon. "[[c:2]] The attribution thus reflects a longstanding connoisseurial convention rather than documented workshop provenance, linking these pieces to the mirror-making craft through perceived affinities in casting technique and formal vocabulary. " The kagamishi-attributed tsuba share a coherent technical and aesthetic profile. All are maru-gata (round) in form, executed on yamagane or brass (shinchu) grounds. Their primary technique is cast relief -- sukidashi-takabori (modeled raised relief) and uchidashi (repousse) -- sometimes finished with supplementary chisel work (tagane) or kebori line engraving over the casting. Rims frequently employ the dote-mimi (raised bank rim), which itself may carry cast floral-pattern motifs in relief.
The decorative repertoire draws on heraldic and geometric vocabulary: chrysanthemum crests (kikuka), paulownia crests (kiri-mon) in unconventional arrangements, lattice patterns (koshi) enclosing peony blossoms, and scattered tortoise-shell and whirlpool motifs (kikko-uzumaki mon chirashi). Construction ranges from single-plate (ichimai) to two-plate (nimai-awase) assembly. " The NBTHK assessments accord these pieces a measured but genuine esteem. The workmanship is judged "excellent," and the chrysanthemum-crest tsuba is singled out as possessing "a particular elegance"[[c:3]] and being "well made"[[c:4]] among works of similar taste. " Though the question of actual kagamishi authorship remains open, the designation itself attests to the recognition that these cast-relief tsuba occupy a place apart from the mainstream tosho and katchushi traditions -- works of considerable age whose bold, large-format compositions and distinctive casting idiom constitute an important chapter in the study of early tosogu production. Learn more →
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 sitePlease contact us within 7 days of receiving the item. Return shipping is at the customer's expense. Once we have confirmed the item is in the same condition as when it was sent, we will refund the payment to your designated account the following day.