A JAPANESE IRON KATCHUSHI TSUBA

A JAPANESE IRON KATCHUSHI TSUBA

LATE MUROMACHI, 16TH CENTURY

Of quatrelobed form, the openings shaped as sea cucumbers with gold rings applied to the rims, the surface with radiating marks, unsigned, with Hozon Tosogu (Sword fitting Worthy of Preservation) certificate no.4010539 issued by the Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai (The Society for the Preservation of the Japan Art Sword), dated 8th November 2016, in a kiri box, 9cm. (3)

Provenance: from a private European collection.

This type of tsuba was made by Katchushi (armour makers) rather than tosho (swordsmiths) as the raised rims required more controlled hammer work. They were made between the end pf the Kamakura Period (1185-1333) until the Momoyama Period (1573-1615).