NihontoWatchNihontoWatchAccording to the authentification paper, the theme of this Menuki is squirrels (栗鼠) and chestnuts (栗). In Japan, squirrels have traditionally symbolized vitality, while chestnuts represent prosperity and the continuation of the family line. By incorporating these motifs into the Menuki of a Katana, the spirit of the samurai and a wish for the flourishing of future generations are expressed. Also, we estimate this Menuki is made from the Shakudou (赤銅), it is an alloy of copper and gold. This material has often been used for making sword mountings due to its properties. And the Shakudou gives the works elegant black color. While some colorings have partly faded due to aging, it seems that the gold overglaze painting, called the Kin Iro-e (金色絵), was initially applied to this Menuki. It makes an elegant color contrast with copper’s black color. Also, it adds decorativeness to this work. A B Authentication Paper They authenticated the Menuki on Dec 24th in the 3th year of Reiwa (2021). They appraised it as Hozon Tousougu, the Menuki worth preserving for Japanese society.
Certificate reading — 無銘（京金具師）
NihontoWatchKyo-kanagushi School京金具師派
Offered by Samurai Museum
Kyo-kanagushi School
Edo
Unsigned
Hozon (NBTHK)
Kinko · Yamashiro
Certifies a genuine fitting worth preserving: a correct signature, or, if unsigned, an identifiable era and school, with recognized artistic and craft 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 limited to defects caused by shipping (except willful misconduct or gross negligence by the company); customers must contact within 72 hours of receiving the product.
¥73,000