正阿弥盛祥

Iyo Shoami Tsuba by Moriyoshi

NTHK(NPO) Kanteisho (77 points)
Published: Kokusai Tosogu Kai 2017

Tsuba

Signed; Yoshu Matsuyama Junin, Shoami Moriyoshi, Meiwa Shichi Kanoe-Tora-doshi Ni Gatsu Hi

Tetsu-ji, uchikomi fukabori

Circa; Mid Edo period (February, 1770)

Dimensions; 72.0 mm (h), 69.0 mm (w), 6.0 mm (mimi)

This is an Iyo Shoami School tsuba by Moriyoshi that was made in February of 1770. Moriyoshi was born in 1693 and was 77 years of age when he made this tsuba. His year of death is unknown. A work exists that is dated 1781 with the statement of 88 years old. This guard features Moriyoshi's favorite motif of a kiri (paulownia) pattern. There is kebori combined with uchikomi fukabori (deep engraving). The pattern overlaps the uchikaeshi mimi and the overall composition is skillfully simplistic. The kanji of "shu" in Yoshu is done with a kanji that appears like three boxes vs the standard kanji for "shu". This is seen in many Iyo Shoami maker's mei. This tsuba is in excellent condition. Judging for the lack of wear around the nakago-ana, it may have never been used on a blade. It was possibly intended and kept as a gift. Signed and dated iron tsuba give us an empirical footing on which to judge material and patina of other iron tsuba. Such examples are important. A charming and "text-book" Iyo Shoami tsuba.

$1600

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