Explore the Hachinoki motif in Higo sukashi tsuba, inspired by the Noh tale of Sano Genzaemon Tsuneyo. Discover how samurai loyalty was embodied in iron and design.

The Nobunaga koshirae—born from the cultivated vision of Sansai and Rikyū. A lost masterpiece whose influence shaped Higo koshirae from Higo to Edo.

An exploration of Sen no Rikyū’s birthplace in Sakai, examining how Zen and wabi tea shaped his aesthetic thought and later influenced Japanese sword fittings.

As the final chapter of The Allure of Higo Kinko series, this article revisits three tsuba previously presented in a petit bidding-style kantei. By closely examining form, technique, and subtle diagnostic details, we now uncover the answers and explore what distinguishes each work within the broader tradition of Higo sword fittings.

In The Allure of Higo Kinko series 4: part 2, this blog focuses on the Kamiyoshi School—the final chapter of the series. Drawing on a lecture by Mitsuru Ito at the Naniwa Kodōgu Kenkyūkai, it traces three generations of Kamiyoshi artisans, revealing how they transformed Hayashi techniques into a distinctive late-Edo aesthetic marked by disciplined ironwork, individual expression, and historical resilience.

In the Allure of Higo Kinko series ④-1, this blog focus on the Hayashi School—a lineage distinguished by disciplined craftsmanship, refined ironwork, and a quiet sense of dignity. Drawing on a lecture delivered by Mitsuru Ito at the Naniwa Kodōgu Kenkyūkai, this article traces the Hayashi family across five generations, revealing how their aesthetic evolved amid shifting cultural and historical currents in Higo.

The third chapter of The Allure of Higo Kinko focuses on the Nishigaki School, renowned for its unrestrained creativity and gentle, flexible aesthetic. Drawing on a lecture delivered by Mitsuru Ito at the Naniwa Kodōgu Kenkyūkai, this article traces the lineage, techniques, and artistic spirit that defined the Nishigaki masters across generations.

The second chapter of the Allure of Higo Kinko series, the Shimizu school flourished through five generations as one of the most prolific lineages of Higo kinko. Drawing on a lecture at the Naniwa Kodōgu Kenkyūkai, this chapter explores their distinctive aesthetics and enduring legacy.

The first chapter of The Allure of Higo Kinko series, the Hirata School, stands at the origin of Higo kinko. Through a lecture given by Ito Mitsuru at the Naniwa Kodōgu Kenkyūkai, we explore the refined aesthetics and quiet strength shaped under the guidance of Hosokawa Sansai.

We trace the bonds of friendship and faith shared by the daimyō who lived through Sekigahara, uncovering the connections between Momoyama lords and the master artisans who shaped their world.

Floating on the northern waters of Lake Biwa, Chikubushima has long been a sacred island for warriors. Its legends, rituals, and serene beauty echo the quiet spirit found in Tosogu and the refined aesthetics cherished by the samurai.

A visit to Hikone Castle exploring the refined aesthetics of samurai culture and the artistry of tosogu.

We sincerely thank everyone who visited our booth at the 2025 Dai Token Ichi. Here is a look back at our exhibits and scenes from the event.

Explore the rare futoji-mei Nobuie tsuba with Baika and karakusa design, once in the Shibata Ka Collection and recorded in “Nobuie Tsubashu”. This masterwork of deep black iron expresses the samurai’s aesthetic of “beauty in mass,” showcased by gallery youyou at the 2025 Dai Token Ichi.

A large, rare Hanare-mei Nobuie tsuba without hitsu-ana, representing the essence of samurai aesthetics through the strength and quiet dignity of iron. Featured at the 2025 Dai Token Ichi, this masterpiece embodies Nobuie’s philosophy of “beauty in mass.”

Discover a rare signed tsuba by Hayashi Shigemitsu, the second generation of the Hayashi school of Higo Kinko. This “Clouds and Yatsuhashi” sukashi tsuba, inspired by The Tales of Ise, reflects the refined wabi-sabi aesthetic and individuality of Edo-period craftsmanship, to be exhibited at the 2025 Dai Token Ichi.

Discover a Juyo tosogu by Hirata Hikozō, the founder of the Higo Kinko, to be exhibited at the 2025 Dai Token Ichi. Learn about his life, artistry, wabi-sabi aesthetic, and the “Warabite Sukashi” tsuba listed in Higo Kinko Taikan.

2025年大刀剣市に出品する重要刀剣・短刀「備中国住次吉作」と、金梨子地巴紋蒔絵鞘合口拵をご紹介。南北朝期の名刀と上品な蒔絵拵の調和をぜひご覧ください。

Introducing Mitsuru Ito’s lecture on Jidai Goshirae from the NBTHK Yamanashi Branch study session. Explore the origins and features of uchigatana koshirae from the late Kamakura to early Edo period, with insights from Sasano, Ogasawara, and recent research.

新刊『信家』登場！鐔の特徴や銘の変遷、美意識を解説し、研究者・愛好家に新たな視点を提供する一冊をご紹介します。