• Period: Late Edo Period

  • Designation: Tokubetsu Hozon

  • Signature: Sōken Nyūdō Sōten 藻柄子入道宗典製
    Hikone Ju 彦根住

  • Tsuba: Wave and Dragon 波龍図鐔

    • Length：Vertical 7.4cm x 7.1Horizontal cm

    • Thickness of rim:　0.4cm

Sōken Nyūdō Sōten 藻柄子入道宗典製
Wave and Dragon Tsuba
波龍図鐔
Item TS007

Price: ¥ 550,000

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Hikone School Metalwork Master

藻柄子入道宗典 (Sōken Nyūdō Sōten) was the founding master of the Hikone School (彦根派) of metalwork in Ōmi Province during the mid-Edo period. His workshop became renowned for dynamic, narrative tōsōgu depicting scenes of warriors, dragons, and waves in rich relief. Sōten’s artistry combined the Kyoto tradition’s elegance with the power of Mino and Edo carving schools, establishing a style so influential that it continued for generations under his name. Works bearing his signature are prized for their depth, movement, and superb command of iroe taka-bori technique.

This example features a bold wave-and-dragon motif (波龍図), rendered in shakudō ground with subtle iroe (colored metal inlay). The surface is deeply sculpted in sukidashi-taka-bori relief, while the rim is finished in nikubori-mimi, adding a solid sense of weight and power to the composition. The swirling waves and coiling dragon capture the energy of nature in motion—a hallmark of Sōten’s mature work.  

Soten is most well-known for works depicting warrior battle scenes, made on an iron base.  Making this piece a very rare style of his.

Certified Tokubetsu Hozon Tōsōgu (Especially Preserved Sword Fitting) by the NBTHK (Nihon Bijutsu Tōken Hozon Kyōkai) on December 8, 2016, this tsuba is an excellent and authentic representation of Sōten’s craftsmanship and the refined artistry of the Hikone tradition.

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