This exquisite tanto-sized tsuka (sword hilt) is a stunning example of Mid-Edo p
Fittings (Fuchi-Kashira & Menuki): The metal fittings are executed in classic Mino-bori style, featuring intricately carved, high-relief gold dragons writhing across a dark, finely stippled nanako (fish-roe) ground. The matching golden dragon menuki (handle ornaments) are nestled securely under the wrap.
This exquisite tanto-sized tsuka (sword hilt) is a stunning example of Mid-Edo period craftsmanship, highlighting the dynamic deep-carving techniques characteristic of the Mino school. Key Features: Fittings (Fuchi-Kashira & Menuki): The metal fittings are executed in classic Mino-bori style, featuring intricately carved, high-relief gold dragons writhing across a dark, finely stippled nanako (fish-roe) ground. The matching golden dragon menuki (handle ornaments) are nestled securely under the wrap. Handle Wrap (Tsuka-maki): The hilt is tightly bound with a vibrant, meticulously braided multi-colored cord, expertly wrapped to expose the foundation of nodular white samegawa (rayskin) underneath. Signature: The fuchi (collar) is distinctly signed Hidemoto (秀元) and includes the maker's kao (personal monogram).
5 high-resolution detail views — use zoom viewer to inspect hamon, jihada, and metalwork
Hidemoto
秀元Hidemoto (秀元) of the Mino School during the Edo period is an obscure figure who remains largely undocumented in the primary annals of Japanese swordsmithing and metalwork. While the name Hidemoto is historically prominent in the Mino province—most notably as an early alias of the daimyo Saitō Toshimasa—there is no established lineage, artistic training, or defined stylistic corpus attributed to a master smith of this name in authoritative records [[1]](https://www.megagame-makers.org.uk/download/Sengoku/SAITO.pdf), [[3]](https://context.reverso.net/translation/english-japanese/kaneshige). Consequently, he lacks the historical standing and recognized thematic motifs associated with the great Mino-den masters such as Kanemoto or Kanesada [[8]](https://www.samuraimuseum.jp/shop/japanese-swordsmith/). For the serious collector, any work bearing this signature would be considered a rare, localized artifact of the Mino tradition, requiring rigorous *shinsa* (appraisal) to determine its specific provenance and quality.