Early Kyo Sukashi Tsuba date back to the Muromachi period (around 1400) and have been produced in Kyoto. The designs and ornamental execution was very much to the liking of the noble court of that time.
The motive of the Yatsuhashi (the bridge consisting of eight parts) is based on the Ise Monogatari (Tales of Ise, from around 850) and relates to eight connecting bridges in Mikawa where Iris flowers were blooming. This image later was transposed into one bridge consisting of eight parts traversing an Iris pond and can be found in various fields of Japanese culture, not only in many Japanese gardens but also in fine arts. The most famous example might be the folding screen ‘Yatsuhashi no Zu’ by Ogata Korin.
This Tsuba incorporates this Motive with the bridge on the right and the Iris flowers on left beautifully. Looking at the Sukashi we see that the right side with the bridge looks strong and heavy due to the thick pieces of the bridge while the left side with its floral Iris leaves and flowers seems soft and light. This dynamic composition is held together by the piers of the bridge and the branches of the flowers.
The patina is a rich dark brown and some thin old lacquer is still extant. An excellent Tsuba which is most likely dating back to the end of the Muromachi period.
The NBTHK Kanteisho attributes this Tsuba to Kyo Sukashi.
Comes with an excellent custom made box and the NBTHK Hozon certificate.
H: 81 mm
W: 81 mm
R: 5 mm
SD: 4.2 mm
