NihontoWatchNihontoWatchThe floral composition of iris and water plantain appears to be among the oldest of this type. The use of open space and thin, sharp lines contrasts to the heavier leaves of the composition. This tsuba has characteristics reminiscent of a period prior to the establishment of Kyō-sukashi work. Sagittaria water plantain (omodaka) first appeared as a design for tsuba in the Heian period. From such early beginnings, this decorative plant has shared a long history with the samurai. Also known as “shogun’s grass” (shogunso), it was held in high esteem as a symbol of victory. The tsuba comes with a Hozon Tōsogu certificate (fitting worth of preservation) issued by Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai.
Certificate reading — 無銘（京透）
NihontoWatchOffered by Giuseppe Piva
Kyo-sukashi School
early Muromachi (c. 1390-1430)
Unsigned
Hozon (NBTHK)
Iron-tsuba · 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 site€3,000