These fuchi-kashira feature a treasure design (takara-zukushi), with motifs such as the magic mallet, wish-fulfilling jewel, and a key symbolizing wealth. They are made in the Mino style, known for its refined carving techniques. This piece is considered to be an early work, approaching the quality of Ko-Mino pieces, and received a Tokubetsu Hozon certification in August 2024.
Certificate reading — 無銘（美濃）
NihontoWatchmumei · Mino · Nanbokucho (c. 1350)
Mino
Nanbokuchō
Mino
Unsigned
Tokuho (NBTHK)
Kinko · Mino
23 pieces on the market now
The Mino metalworking tradition emerged as a distinct school of early kinkō (sword-fittings artisans) active from the late Muromachi period through the Momoyama era. Rooted in the broader stream of ko-kanagu-shi (early metal-fittings makers), Mino craftsmen developed alongside but separate from the courtly Gotō lineage, serving a different aesthetic sensibility. Learn more →
| Smith | Era | Designated |
|---|---|---|
| Mitsuharu光春 | — | 0 |
| Mitsunaka光仲 | — | 0 |
| Mitsunobu光伸 | — | 0 |
| Nakayuki仲之 | — | 0 |
| Nagamasa長正 | — | 0 |
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 siteDomestic: items may be returned within 7 days in original condition for a full refund (buyer covers transport). Overseas orders: no-refunds, no-returns.
These fuchi-kashira feature a treasure design (takara-zukushi), with motifs such as the magic mallet, wish-fulfilling jewel, and a key symbolizing wealth. They are made in the Mino style, known for its refined carving techniques. This piece is considered to be an early work, approaching the quality of Ko-Mino pieces, and received a Tokubetsu Hozon certification in August 2024.
Certificate reading — 無銘（美濃）
NihontoWatchmumei · Mino · Nanbokucho (c. 1350)
Mino
Nanbokuchō
Mino
Unsigned
Tokuho (NBTHK)
Kinko · Mino
23 pieces on the market now
The Mino metalworking tradition emerged as a distinct school of early kinkō (sword-fittings artisans) active from the late Muromachi period through the Momoyama era. Rooted in the broader stream of ko-kanagu-shi (early metal-fittings makers), Mino craftsmen developed alongside but separate from the courtly Gotō lineage, serving a different aesthetic sensibility. Learn more →
| Smith | Era | Designated |
|---|---|---|
| Mitsuharu光春 | — | 0 |
| Mitsunaka光仲 | — | 0 |
| Mitsunobu光伸 | — | 0 |
| Nakayuki仲之 | — | 0 |
| Nagamasa長正 | — | 0 |
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 siteDomestic: items may be returned within 7 days in original condition for a full refund (buyer covers transport). Overseas orders: no-refunds, no-returns.
