Two tsuba | The first attributed to Tsunashige (Nara school) | Edo period, 18th – 19th century

Two tsuba

The first attributed to Tsunashige

Edo period, 18^th – 19^th century

the first Shoami school, the circular sentoku tsuba inlaid in gold and shakudo with an autumn maple tree and partially closed fan on a woven basket ground, the reverse with the hat of a bugaku dancer, the hitsu-ana plugged, chased and engraved with plum, autumn grasses, chrysanthemums and bamboo, raised nawame fukurin, unsigned; the second Toryusai school, the mokko-gata iron tsuba inlaid in gold with plovers (chidori) above crashing waves, with raised rim, unsigned

The first accompanied by a certificate of registration as Tokubetsu Kicho Kodogu [Especially Precious Fitting], no. 1352 issued by the Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai [Society for the Preservation of the Japanese Art Sword], dated Showa 55 (1980).

The second accompanied by a certificate of registration as Hozon Tosogu [Sword Fitting Worthy of Preservation], no. 454404 issued by the Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai [Society for the Preservation of the Japanese Art Sword], dated Heisei 20 (2008).

7.5 cm., 3 in. (the first)

8.5 cm., 3¾ in. (the second)