Iron, six-lobed mokkō-gata tsuba with of inome (heart-shapes) arranged symmetrically inside of six-sided geometric pattern in sukashi on the inside of the tsuba. The pattern is slightly unusual and recalls the shape of the thread and spool theme often seen on tsuba, but this design is abstract, and makes us wonder if the artist was just trying to create a pleasing, harmonious, symmetrical design, or if there is deeper meaning in the shapes. Two hitsu-ana.
Tsuba is marked with number 857 inside nakago-ana, which indicates this tsuba have been part of a very large museum or private collection.
NOTE:
An auction catalogue entry featuring a nearly identical tsuba calls this “Kyoto school”, but Owari sukashi is another possible school. Info is from Compton Collection book.
The museum/auction catalogue calls this “Kyoto school” but that feels a bit vague, and incorrect, to me. Are they implying Kyoto sukashi (Kyo-sukashi)? This tsuba feels more solid, less delicate, less refined, than Kyo-sukashi. I feel Owari would be more accurate. I also doubt the design has any relation to horse bits – so I’m ignoring that part in the description. The price in the catalogue feels very ambitious, so I think it’s best to ignore their pricing as well, and go with something a bit less dear that feels realistic to me.
However, this tsuba is nice, in good condition, and also a bit unique.
Mei/signature:
Mumei
School/province:
Owari
Period/age:
Edo
Measures:
7.60 cm x 7.60 cm x 0.45 cm
Certificate:
No
Included:
NO kiri box included
