Sword guard with dotemimi-skinokoshi design/ IDETA Collecton/Kumamoto prefectural Museum of Art

This sword guard is considered to have been created by the 3rd head of the Shimizu school, Jingo Nagatsugu (1691-1777), based on the style of the work and the inscription.
The ‘dotemimi-skinokoshi’ is a raised rim design which is produced by carving away the central portion of the surface.
Nagatsugu was a noted sword guard craftsman, leaving behind many works with full of individuality. He particularly skilled at brass inlaid iron sword guard with his own bold design.
The Shimizu school had been based in Yatsushiro district, Higo Province, and the head of the school had succeeded to the name ‘Jingo’ for generations.
This example is a valuable piece with the inscription of 3rd Jingo.