Owari Sukashi Tsuba – 尾張透鍔
This is a large and powerful tsuba of average thickness with a rounded square rim. The iron is a rich purple/red black and there are visible folds in the mimi showing the kitae or construction of this tsuba. Both the seppa dai and hitsu ana are slightly larger than average and sit well in the design. The iron is excellent and the patina is in wonderful condition.
The dimensions are 8.1cm x 8.0cm x 0.5cm
The theme is described by the NBTHK as Ya no Konn Hishi Mon Zu 矢の根菱紋散図, or arrows, diamond and trapa japonica mon design. Various mon or family crests are laid out in a circular pattern to create a feeling of majesty. Mon were a very common theme on sword fittings during the Muromachi and Momoyama periods being displayed either singularly or in groups as per this piece.
Owari tsuba are both powerful in construction and elegant in design. This tsuba is no exception.
Thank you for reading.
Rich
