| This tsuba is mumei, but attributed to Awa Kenjō, and features a design of paulownia, arabesque vines, and phoenixes with cloud-shaped openwork. Known as Kenjō Tsuba ("presentation tsuba"), Awa Kenjō refers to the refined style of tsuba produced by the Awa Shōami school, which flourished in Awa, the castle town of the Hachisuka family. These tsuba are distinguished by their elaborate decoration of gold nunome-zōgan on an iron ground, creating an elegant and luxurious appearance. This example features cloud-shaped openwork in the iron plate, while the surface is meticulously filled with an intricate design of paulownia, scrolling vines, and phoenixes executed in superb gold nunome-zōgan. The workmanship is exceptionally refined, and the preservation is outstanding. It passed NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Tosogu shinsa in February 2026. |
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