Tsuba large Iron - Sukashi Katana guard - Kumo design NBTHK paper - Heianjo school - Early Edo period

Description: Maru Gata a rounded Tsuba shape for Katana or Wakizashi size, with punch marks in the Nakago Ana. The guard is finely carved within the rounded rim in KAGE SUKASHI, negative silhouette, the detailed carving repeats on the reverse and the plate is smoothly polished. It is pierced with RYOHITSU shaped apertures of two large stylised and symmetrical NAMAKO, sea cucumbers and decorated with a design of formalised KUMO or clouds flushing to the surface. TECHNIQUE The iron plate is chiselled in KAGE SUKASHI, a negative silhouette, the surface finely inlaid on both sides and decorated all around the edge in SHINCHU or brass HIRAZOGAN in a design of clouds flushing to the surface. SIGNATURE/SCHOOL Unsigned HEIANJO school. DOCUMENT This fine masterpiece is accompagnied by a TOKUBETSU KICHO TOKEN an official document, means particularly precious fitting, certificate no. 250 dated SHOWA 43 (1968) - March 23 issued by the NBTHK; Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai. PERIOD/ORIGIN Early EDO period 17th Century Japan COMMENTS: This style of HEIANJO period HIRAZOGAN tsuba displays the finest characteristics of the school. Exemplified in the sophisticated shape SUKASHI, and inlay which is an perfect condition. Though perhaps a little diagrammatic in design, the guard is saved by its strength and appeal, because it evokes a feeling of virility and valour it recalls emotions of warriors, much of whose lives was spend in battle. In Japanese art, KUMO often appear as attributes of Buddhist saints. Stylised repetitions of the shape are incorporated as a motif in the depiction of heavenly clouds. KUMO symbolise achieving prosperity. MATERIAL/SIZE Iron 77 x 75 mm CONDITION Basically in decent condition considering the age. See the detailed photos or email me for more info.