This is a Higo tsuba featuring a chrysanthemum-shaped iron plate with cherry blossoms in ji-sukashi (openwork) and fine ito-sukashi (thread openwork) representing mist. The cherry blossoms are not depicted realistically but are stylized with five elongated petals curling like warabite (fern fronds). This bold design, characteristic of Higo tsuba by makers like Hayashi Yoshishichi, creates a spring scene where cherry blossoms appear and disappear within the mist. The tsuba, with its harmonious chrysanthemum shape and openwork, is typical of Higo artistry, and its iron quality and style suggest a mid-Edo period creation. It was attributed to Higo and passed the Hozon Tosogu examination in 2001.
NihontoWatchmumei · Higo · Edo
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 siteDomestic: items may be returned within 7 days in original condition for a full refund (buyer covers transport). Overseas orders: no-refunds, no-returns.
This is a Higo tsuba featuring a chrysanthemum-shaped iron plate with cherry blossoms in ji-sukashi (openwork) and fine ito-sukashi (thread openwork) representing mist. The cherry blossoms are not depicted realistically but are stylized with five elongated petals curling like warabite (fern fronds). This bold design, characteristic of Higo tsuba by makers like Hayashi Yoshishichi, creates a spring scene where cherry blossoms appear and disappear within the mist. The tsuba, with its harmonious chrysanthemum shape and openwork, is typical of Higo artistry, and its iron quality and style suggest a mid-Edo period creation. It was attributed to Higo and passed the Hozon Tosogu examination in 2001.
NihontoWatchmumei · Higo · Edo
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 siteDomestic: items may be returned within 7 days in original condition for a full refund (buyer covers transport). Overseas orders: no-refunds, no-returns.
