Period:

Momoyama to Edo age.

Basic Shape:

Round or oval.

Thickness:

Most are thin, at the center about 2.5 to 3.5 millimeters.

Edge:

Kakumimi koniku, or uchikaeshi, a few are nawa-mimi (roped edge).

Design Characteristics:

The most common are landscapes, plants and animals. Occasionally wheel shape openwork tsuba in the style of the second Nobuiye will be found. Work done in both family styles.

Plate Metal:

The aesthetic quality of the plate is equal to that of Yamakichibei. The quality of the iron and the forging is very good. The tekkotsu are quiet and unobtrusive. The web is smooth, but not lacking in variety, with the appearance of snake skin, or a cloudy appearance. Yakite kusarashi is sometimes used as a surface finish.

Comments:

There are two styles to be found in the work of the Hoan school. The first style is that of the katchushi, which would seem to be the earlier style. The second type is pure tsuba-smith style and would seem to be a later development in the school work.