A Kumagai Tsuba showing the two royal flowers Kiku and Kiri (Chrysanthemum and Paulownia)
The term Kumagai Tsuba refers to sword guards either made by or attributed to artisans associated with the Kumagai name, though precise attribution to a unified school or lineage is unclear. These Tsuba typically display stylistic qualities rooted in traditional craftsmanship of the Edo period, often with strong iron plates and Nunome Zogan inlay designs. The motifs vary, but they frequently reflect classic Japanese themes such as natural elements, mythology, or heraldic symbols. Kumagai tsuba are generally valued for their balanced aesthetics and robust construction, and they share features with Higo schools. Due to limited records and the possibility of multiple unrelated artisans using the Kumagai name, proper attribution often relies on signatures, stylistic analysis, and regional characteristics.
This Kumagai Tsuba has a distinguished ‘Mokko-Gata’. On its densely forged iron plate the artist added floral Nunome Zogan elements showing the Kiri on top and the Kiku on the bottom of the Omote and a butterfly on the Ura. The gold application was done with different gold alloys, hence the different yellow tones. This very design must have been quite popular in the middle to late Edo period as we see it on several Kumagai Tsuba. The inner part of the iron is hammered and presents us with a somewhat enlarged Tsuchime surface given the whole piece a certain depth.
Attributed as Kumagai school by the NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon certificate.
Comes with a custom made box.
Size:
H: 8.8 cm
W: 8.0 cm
R: 3.4 mm
Sd: 3.4 mm
