Mei; 'Yamashiro Kuni Fushimi Ju Kaneiye'  H 02464.0
Dates to ca. 1650.

PROVENANCE:    Elliott D. Long

This fine iron tsuba for a Japanese sword has a Maru Gata circular form, and a well patined surface. It is provided with Kogai Hitsu Ana. The well patined surface is carved in a delicate manner in Katakiri Bori, a carving with lines of varying thickness and depth in imitation of the strokes of a painter's brush, the carving repeats on the reverse, with engraved details, and the iron of good color. The use of gold inlay is minimal and appears to be 24 karat.
The subject depicts a figure, possibly of Tojin (Lin Ho Ching), standing near small pools of water in sukashi, with a moon in shakudo, shining amoung the clouds.
The metal is good, the workmanship excellent, the design lofty, dignified, and carefully worked, the forms full bodied, and the surface with a deep dark brown patina. This tsuba exhibits many usual characteristics, is very well hammered, and the entire guard has a rustic appearance. All of these traits make this an excellant work of the Saga Kaneiye school.

7.00cm x 7.30cm x 0.35cm