A KYOTO SHOAMI SCHOOL TSUBA

Details

A KYOTO SHOAMI SCHOOL TSUBA
EDO PERIOD (CIRCA 1650)

The large, thick iron plate has an openwork design of two bows, three arrows, and a saihai (general's baton). The plate is well forged and hammered and the arrows and other areas have good carved details. The hitsu-ana are now plugged in brass with a star punch surface pattern. The edge shows fine large running iron bones--height and width 10.9cm., thickness at center 4.5mm., at edge 6.0mm.

Double wood storage boxes. Inner box with inscription by Sato Kanzan, dated Showa 49 (1974). Accompanied by a tokubetsu kicho certificate issued by the N.B.T.H.K., no. 157, dated Showa 46 (1971).

Provenance

Noda collection, Kamakura

Lot Essay

This extra large tsuba was no doubt intended to be mounted on a blade of comparable size and length. Such swords were made to be dedicated to a shrine or temple in the name of the family to commemorate an event, such as a victory in battle.

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