A set of fuchi and kashira in the typical Mino style, crafted from shakudō with parcel gilding. They are decorated with dragons over a black nanako background, featuring raised, gilt rims characteristic of the school. The fuchi is signed "Yoshinaga", and despite lacking formal papers, the signature and workmanship are considered authentic and match reference examples.
NihontoWatch
Mino
Edo
Mino
Signed
Kinko · Mino
24 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. Their chronological range extended through the transition into the early Edo period, though the tradition's characteristic vocabulary crystallized during the turbulent decades of the late sixteenth century. The hallmark of Mino workmanship lies in its distinctive approach to relief carving and decorative treatment. Rather than the refined, minutely detailed dragons favored by the Gotō house, Mino artisans developed the specialized "Mino dragon" (Mino-ryū) idiom: large-scale compositions executed in usukin-dashi (thin raised metal), characterized by sinuous, writhing forms with extensive sukashi (openwork).
Beyond dragon motifs, Mino craftsmen rendered auspicious subjects—cranes, turtles, pine, and bamboo—as well as floral designs such as wisteria in karakusa (arabesque) arrangements. The technical vocabulary consistently emphasizes vigorous yōbori (high-relief carving) with robust, thick-boned modeling and forceful execution, often on grounds of shakudō nanako-ji or solid gold, with enrichment through gold iroe and inlay. Works attributed to the Mino school are valued for their sumptuous materiality and animated sculptural presence. The tradition's preference for deeply cut relief with pronounced peaks and valleys creates a dynamic visual effect distinct from the more restrained aesthetic of contemporary Kyoto workshops. Surviving examples of Mino metalwork—ranging from menuki and kogai to complete koshirae suites—document a regional aesthetic that prioritized bold composition and vigorous carving over courtly refinement, reflecting the martial culture of the Sengoku and early unification periods. 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 |
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.
€1,250
