The masters of the Tosa Myochin school who, as armourers had adopted the name of Myochin, served the Yamanouchi family of Tosa (today the prefecture of Kochi in Shikoku) and produced Akasaka as well as Higo style guards. Toshio who is regarded founder of the school is said to have been a student of the seventh Akasaka master. Most of the Tosa Myochin Tsuba are Higo style, and many unsigned Tosa Myochin guards ought to be counted among Higo works, as they resemble them in terms of metal and patina. The sharp, wedge like Tagane which we can see on this Tsuba on the upper end of the Nakago-Ana are a typical distinguishing mark for the school.
The design of this Tsuba is a rather free and loose interpretation of the ‘Kiri Mon’, the typical family crest with the Paulownia blossom and leaves. We can see five Kiri Mon arranged with distinguished Katakiri lines highlighting the leaves. The patina is in perfect condition and presents homogeneously well forged steel.
Overall a very attractive and large Sukashi Tsuba.
It is attributed to Tosa Myochin by the NBTHK Hozon certificate.
Comes with a custom made Kiri box.
H: 8.1 cm
W: 7.7 cm
R: 3.0 mm
Sd: 4.2 mm
