There are several generations of the Suwa masters from the first generation Hikonojo Shoji of about the Keicho to the Kanei period till the last and fifth generation Ikuhei Masatari who is considered the most skillful one of the group. So one can expect that the herewith described piece is a work by him.
The double golden karakusa are different to the ones of the Nishigaki or Hayashi works in so far that the creeping scrolls are done in a wave like manner and the double lines are not always twofold.
Anyway a very impressive and elegant work with it’s fine soft surface and dark brown patina highlighted by the golden scrolls or karakusa. This tsuba demonstrates that also the independent Tuboi masters had great abilities and did works to meet the taste and desire of the Higo nobilitiy.
This very piece is published by Ito Mitsuru in „Works of Hayashi and Kamiyoshi“ as No. 5. Page 438 and sayu–o-sukashi karakusa no zu tsuba, where it is pointed out that the large hitsu ana are done in the shape of piled up rice cakes and hints further to the elegant and refined surface and it’s soft yakite treatment.
This piece is a an elegant and great addition to any Higo collection.
The excellent tsuba comes with an equally excellently made older box of Kiri wood and a dai and cushion of dark blue murasaki coloured silk.
H: 80,0 mm
W: 74,9 mm
R: 4,5 mm
Sd: 4,5 mm
