Mei; 'Yamashiro Kuni Fushimi Ju Kaneiye'  H 02464.0
Dates to ca. 1800.

PROVENANCE:    Elliott D. Long

This iron plate tsuba has a largely squared circular form known as Okaku Maru. It is provided with Hitsu Ana. The well patined surface is carved in a delicate manner, 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.
The subject depicts the usual scene of a boat on the shoreline amongst the bamboo, under a chrysanthemum growing in the hills. On the ura, the landscape below and the hills above surrounding a temple. The workmanship is not only found in the Saga school pieces but also in Mito and Shoami schools. The design is dignified, and carefully worked, the forms full bodied, and the surface with a deep brown patina. This tsuba exhibits many usual characteristics, and the entire guard has a rustic appearance.

7.75cm x 8.25cm x 0.45cm