T-154 Hirata Hikozo Tsuba

Classic Hirata Hikozo Tsuba

What is better than one Hirata tsuba? Two! This one is NBTHK certified to Hikozo himself making it even rarer and special. Hirata Hikozo was one of the most famous Higo metalworkers and was the teacher to both first generation Jingo and Kanshiro. He worked under the patronage of Hosokawa Sansai who was famed for his love of tea ceremony. As such, Hikozo was highly influenced in this regard and many of his pieces reflect this aesthetic. The most prized Hikozo pieces are done in copper as in this example.

Design is of namako (sea cucumber) sukashi and was copied by the famed swordsman Miyamoto Musashi in the final years of his life when he too was under patronage by Hosokawa. Again the finishing work is what really sets Hikozo apart and this is no exception. The excellent coloring achieved in the copper as well the tebori carving work on the face and back of the tsuba is well executed. The rim is masterful and is a mix of copper and shakudo and has a great feeling and shape that only an expert could do.

Hikozo is considered one of the most desirable kinko-shi and it is easy to see why when examining his work in detail. Tsuba from Hikozo are extremely rare and are one of the pinnacles of kodogu collecting. Comes with NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon paper and custom box.

Early Edo

Unsigned NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon certified to Hikozo

6.54 cm x 6.54 cm x 2.6 mm at the rim

$15,000