A large moon is rising behind the stem of a strong tree partly covered by clouds. A cuckoo is flying down in front of the blooming treetop. This iron Tsuba was made in a mokko-gata with the rim and the seppa rising slightly above the surface defining clearly the design space which then is slightly broken again by a small cut out. The large moon is covered with silver which over the ages took a dark black patina. We can even feel the moonlight shining through the clouds as the application of silver goes beyond the moons surface and slightly covers its surroundings.
The ‘hototogisu’ (cuckoo) is a sign for the beginning of the summer season in Japan as these birds migrate here from southern China during that time of the year.
The Tanaka school has brought forth many great masters, founded by Tanaka Toryusai (also known as Kiyotoshi) who studied under a Nanban Tsuba maker and is said to be an autodidact learning only from seeing the great works of other masters. The application of gold nunome which we can see on this Tsuba surrounding the cuckoo for example, is quite characteristic for the Tanaka school.
The NBTHK Hozon Kanteisho attributes this Tsuba to Toryusai Shi.
Comes with a custom made box and the NBTHK certificate.
H: 71 mm
W: 64 mm
R: 4.5 mm
Sd: 4 mm
