The well forged iron with strong Tagane marks at the edges and corners of the Tomoe shows a deep dark brown patina. The entire aesthetic and the small single golden Karakusa hints to a work of the first Nishigaki master Kanshiro or a student. This elegant Tsuba has a strong appearance and fits well into every Sukashi collection.
Tomoe is often interpreted as a swirl or cloud and three of them can often be found in circular arrangement called Mitsutomoe. It is often seen on the tiles of temple roofs and serves as a protection against fire.
This design and making is well known from the Nishigaki school as depicted by Ito Mitsuru, Works of Kanshiro Nishigaki, p. 94, No. 39 attributed to the first master Kanshiro. Also in the Higo Kinko Taikan there are several pieces with this Sukashi motive.
Attributed to Higo by the NBTHK Hozon Kanteisho from Heisei Nijuninen (22nd December 2010).
Comes with a custom made box.
Size:
H: 7.75 cm
W: 7.5 cm
R: 4.5 mm
Sd: 5 mm
