Mei; 'Yamashiro Kuni Fushimi Ju Kaneiye'  H 02464.0
Dates to ca. 1700.

PROVENANCE:    Elliott D. Long

This fine iron tsuba for a Japanese katana has a marugata circular form, with punch marks in the nakago-ana, a look of great strength and a well patined surface. It is provided with a kogai-ana. The well patined surface is carved in a delicate manner in katakiri bori, a carving with lines of varying thickness and depth. The carving repeats on the reverse, with engraved details, and the iron of good color.
The subject depicts a figure standing on a river bank fishing. In the distance we see sail boats. On the reverse are more sail boats.
The metal is good, the workmanship excellent, the design lofty, dignified, and carefully worked, the form is full bodied, and the surface with a deep brown patina. This tsuba exhibits one unusual characteristic, the well hammered rim is folded over in a opposing form, three to the front separated by three to the rear. This is a style sometimes used by the Shoami school. The entire guard has a rustic appearance. All of these traits make this an excellant work of the Kaneiye school.

7.75cm x 8.00cm x 0.25cm (seppa) x 45mm-65mm (rim)