Myōchin is a school of artists that lasted for several hundred years. Some artists using the Myōchin name may have been related by blood, but it is not always a direct lineage.

Myochin Ki No Munesada Saku was a well known armour blacksmith between 1700 and 1799. Many of his work is in museums like the Royal Armories and the British Museum. Mainly known for his exceptional quality armour.

A lot of artists used the Myōchin name and they worked throughout whole Japan. For some Myōchin artists, there are detailed entries explaining their lineage and origin. Other Myōchin artists are more modest, Munesada is said to have worked in the latter part of the Edo period, lived in Edo (modern Tokio) and used several names throughout his career.

This iron tsuba is very well made and can be of his hand, but remains unknown.
It has a hole in the center for the blade which is called ‘Nakago Ana’. On the right a ‘Kogai Hitsu Ana’ (hole for the kogai) and on the left a ‘Kozuka Hitsu Ana’ (hole for the kozuka).

Condition: Excellent, minor ware on the chiseled characters.

Dimensions: 7 x 7.3cm
Thickness: 4.5mm

Weight: 131gr.