A fine mumei tsuba attributed to the Nishigaki school, with NBTHK Hozon certification. Executed in iron with a carefully worked ji-sukashi openwork design depicting stylized kiri (paulownia) foliage within a circular composition. The restrained treatment of the iron and the bold negative spaces give the piece a strong yet elegant appearance.
The certificate describes the work as iron, polished ground, ji-sukashi, kebori and maru-mimi, and attributes it to Nishigaki. The sophisticated openwork reflects the refined taste developed in Japanese sword fittings, where natural motifs such as paulownia were valued for their auspicious associations and visual balance.
Dimension
74,1 mm x 77,3 mm x 5,3 mm (Seppa) - 5,3 mm (Mimi), 90,1 g
