This is a Heianjo-style tsuba featuring a kikyo (bellflower) and karakusa (arabesque) design in brass inlay on an iron plate. The Heianjo school, primarily active in Kyoto and its vicinity, is known for this distinctive inlay technique. This tsuba is certified as Tokubetsu Hozon by the NBTHK.
Heianjo · Edo

Edo
Yamashiro
Tokuho (NBTHK)
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 siteReturns/exchanges/cancellations not accepted after shipment except for significant defects; if defective, return/exchange possible within 3 days of arrival (return shipping paid by customer).
This is a Heianjo-style tsuba featuring a kikyo (bellflower) and karakusa (arabesque) design in brass inlay on an iron plate. The Heianjo school, primarily active in Kyoto and its vicinity, is known for this distinctive inlay technique. This tsuba is certified as Tokubetsu Hozon by the NBTHK.
Heianjo · Edo

Edo
Yamashiro
Tokuho (NBTHK)
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 siteReturns/exchanges/cancellations not accepted after shipment except for significant defects; if defective, return/exchange possible within 3 days of arrival (return shipping paid by customer).