Japanese Tsuba - Iron sukashi katana guard - Lotus design - Choshuu school signed - Edo period

DESCRIPTION An irregular TSUBA form for KATANA or WAKIZASHI size. Embossed on either side of the central opening. This design depictes HASU or japanese lotus, going over the SEPPA DAI at the top, that shows both the backs and the face of the leaves, in a circular arrangement curling to form a part of the MIMI, or rim and including both HITSU ANA. Altering the sizes and placement of the flowers virtually sprinkled throughout the plate, create a mood of dancing and flying motion. TECHNIQUE Pierced in a delicate manner and finely carved within the half-pipe rim in YO SUKASHI, positive silhouette. The detailed carving repeats on the reverse with KEBORI light hairline incised surface details, which would indicate his style as well, and sprinkled in gold NUNOME, a low relief inlay with gold leaves burnished onto a cross-hatched iron ground. SIGNATURE / SCHOOL 武州住 友賢 CHOSHU JU TOMOYOSHI CHOSHU school PERIOD / ORIGIN Middle EDO period. 18th century Japan COMMENTS HASU, lotus is a popular image in Buddhist art and represents purity and wisdom. The guard has a subtle surface variation, compact form, stately massiveness, the placement of the SUKASHI work is excellent, and the good quality metal with a moist luster and a deep purplish patina, give the whole piece a stately, and a solemn quality. Signed work of this quality from a CHOSHU masters meant that the TSUBA was made to order. One can only guess as to the individual artist’s name. MATERIAL / SIZE Iron 65 x 63 mm CONDITION: Basically in decent condition considering the age. See the detailed photos or email me for more info.