This is a particularly fine example of a tsuba signed by Hirado Kunishige, crafted from copper alloy. It features a dragon carved with a steady hand, with gold-inlaid eyes, and is notable for its unusual clear green enamel in the negative space, a rare experimental finish likely influenced by Korean pottery traditions on Hirado.
NihontoWatch
Kinko · around 1670
3 pieces on the market now
Where Kunishige stands among comparable artisans: across all of nihontō, and within tradition, era, and period. The tiers (Foremost · Leading · Major · Notable) weigh official designations from the NBTHK and Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs, together with historical honors of lasting repute such as the Sansaku and Meibutsu-chō.
Select a lens to see how it's measured.
Kinko · Hizen
4 pieces on the market now
| Smith | Era | Designated |
|---|---|---|
| Kunishige国重 | 1670 | 1 |
We could not find an authenticity certificate on the seller’s listing. Japanese swords and fittings are normally papered by the NBTHK (or the NTHK). Without one, the attribution is the seller’s own assessment and has not been independently verified — treat it with caution and ask the dealer about certification before buying.
Returns accepted on items ordered from the site when an item does not appear to be as depicted and described; buyer must notify via email within 7 days of receipt. Refund covers purchase price minus shipping, bank fees, and currency conversion. Sales on items paid in terms are final, as are sales of items personally inspected.
This is a particularly fine example of a tsuba signed by Hirado Kunishige, crafted from copper alloy. It features a dragon carved with a steady hand, with gold-inlaid eyes, and is notable for its unusual clear green enamel in the negative space, a rare experimental finish likely influenced by Korean pottery traditions on Hirado.
NihontoWatchKinko · around 1670
3 pieces on the market now
Where Kunishige stands among comparable artisans: across all of nihontō, and within tradition, era, and period. The tiers (Foremost · Leading · Major · Notable) weigh official designations from the NBTHK and Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs, together with historical honors of lasting repute such as the Sansaku and Meibutsu-chō.
Select a lens to see how it's measured.
Kinko · Hizen
4 pieces on the market now
| Smith | Era | Designated |
|---|---|---|
| Kunishige国重 | 1670 | 1 |
We could not find an authenticity certificate on the seller’s listing. Japanese swords and fittings are normally papered by the NBTHK (or the NTHK). Without one, the attribution is the seller’s own assessment and has not been independently verified — treat it with caution and ask the dealer about certification before buying.
Returns accepted on items ordered from the site when an item does not appear to be as depicted and described; buyer must notify via email within 7 days of receipt. Refund covers purchase price minus shipping, bank fees, and currency conversion. Sales on items paid in terms are final, as are sales of items personally inspected.
