Continuing from the previous post, this article features another sword fitting that will be presented at the upcoming 2025 Dai Token Ichi, held on November 1 and 2.

In this entry, we would like to introduce a rare large-sized tsuba signed by Nobuie, without any hitsu-ana. Created in the Momoyama to early Edo period, Nobuie’s works are admired for their massive presence, powerful iron texture, and the quiet dignity that embodies the samurai aesthetic.

Who was the “Hanare-mei” Nobuie?

Nobuie tsuba are so highly regarded that the name “Nobuie” itself has become a familiar category among collectors. Yet few have considered—how many Nobuie were there? Where did they come from? And what kind of lives did these craftsmen lead?

Although many scholars have studied Nobuie, few have examined him within the broader cultural and historical context of his time. A milestone work was “Nakamura Kakudayū Nobuie Tsuba-shū” annotated by Akiyama Kyūsaku in Taishō 15 (1926), which classified seven inscription types: katchu-mei (armor signature), futoji-mei (bold), sakei-mei (left-leaning), tsumari-mei (compact), hanare-mei (detached), tannyū--mei (chiseled-in), and San Nobuie.

Could all these signatures have truly existed? The later paper by Katsuya Shunichi (1958–1959), titled Nobuie no Shin-kenkyū (信家の新研究, New research on Nobuie)  became a decisive foundation for modern Nobuie research. Today, the terms hanare-mei and futoji-mei are widely accepted—but how did these designations originate?

Nobuie’s Sense of Beauty and Artistry

“It’s not boring or dull —black, thick, and heavy mass—what’s so good about that?”Such a reaction might be an honest one for those unfamiliar with Nobuie. His tsuba are simple—pure iron, modestly decorated with kebori, tsuchime, yakite or occasional sukashi. There is no ornamentation, no vivid depiction of human figure, animals or flowers.

Nobuie was not merely neither a tsuba maker nor a craftsman—he was an artisan who expressed the samurai’s spirit and aesthetic through sculptural mass.

This Juyo kuruma sukashi tsuba is a nagamatu form with a deep sense of taste. The thickness has been carved down from the mimi toward the seppadai, giving a wheel rhythm to the form. The dote-mimi (embanked rim) enhances the realism of the wheel motif, while strong yakite treatment creates a rich, rounded edge and an even more powerful impression.

Delicate kebori engravings of karakusa (arabesque) appear edge of  the mimi, yet there are no jimon, kikka or wajigai stamps. Despite the absence of hitsu-ana and decorative patterns, the tsuba attains a stately dignity and striking sculptural force. Its large size and perfect preservation make it a masterpiece representative of the hanare-mei Nobuie style. A tsuba of the same design and technique also exists in the Hōan’s work, suggesting that both artisan may have lived near each other in Kiyosu, Owari, influencing one another’s work. The box inscription is dated to mid-spring of the year of Kanoto-ushi (1961), Showa era signed by Hino Shouan. The hanare-mei Nobuie tsuba is recorded in the revised edition of “Tsuba Kanshōki”.

Petit Kantei Points ♡

On October 1, the long-awaited book “NOBUIE” by Mitsuru Ito was released. This publication reveals everything one needs to understand Nobuie—based on decades of dedicated research. It presents well-known and previously unpublished works in chronological order, while re-examining Nobuie’s life and aesthetics against the rapidly changing historical and cultural background of the Momoyama and early Edo periods.

The book also explores the evolution of Nobuie’s inscriptions—Hanare-mei and Futoji-mei—and proposes a fresh perspective on Nobuie studies, rich with detailed kantei points.

We hope it will become a cherished companion for every tosogu enthusiast.

Book Information

Title: NOBUIE・信家

Author: Mitsuru Ito

Publisher: gallery youyou

Release Date: October 1, 2025

Price: ¥27,500 → ¥ 26,000 (until Dec 31, 2025)

English Translation & Commentary: ¥17,500 → ¥ 15,000 (until Dec 31, 2025)

The English translation and commentary are now available!

A special set price will be available at the 2025 Dai Token Ichi venue—please don’t miss this opportunity.

If you won’t be able to visit 2025 DTI, please click below. 👉 [Purchase / Inquiries here]

Closing thoughts

Holding a Nobuie tsuba in one’s hand, one can feel the sheer weight and presence—the very beauty of mass. Large-sized examples such as this are exceedingly rare. We warmly invite you to visit the 2025 Dai Token Ichi and see the beauty of this sculptural mass in person. Until then stay Tosogu & Sword Minded :)

参考文献：

「信家・NOBUIE」Mitusuru Ito

Juyō Tosogu Zufu Vol. 67 (NBTHK)

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