Unknown tsuba themes

[Andi B.]

Hello,

 

here I have two tsuba with unknown themes (for me) and I would like to know more about them. Maybe you can enlighten me.

 

First is a sukashi tsuba. Which style could it be?

I can see three "quarterfoils" - what ever it is... and twelve conventionalized wild geese and maybe three pearls?

Any idea what it really is?

 

And the second tsuba has been "unorganized" decorated with some more stange items:

On the front is hammer, maybe a wig, the tide jewels Kanju and Manju (?) and on the top a hat(?) and a tool (?).

On the backside there is a broom and a scroll.

What could be the meaning of this weird combination?

 

Thanks!

[Gunome]

Hello,

 

First is a sukashi tsuba. Which style could it be?

I can see three "quarterfoils" - what ever it is... and twelve conventionalized wild geese and maybe three pearls?

 

Pearls are "tomoe" like a round coma.

Quarterfoils are "Matsukawa bishi" which means pine bark diamond, often seen in Owari tsuba.

 

No idea for the second one.

 

Sébastien

[Ford Hallam]

The broom and the scroll (of poetry) alludes to Kanzan and Jitokku. A quick 'google' of the names will clarify that aspect.

 

The hammer/mallet alludes to Daikoku, one of the seven 'Gods' of good fortune. The mallet is known as Uchide-no-Kozuchi and can make any material desire manifest.

[Andi B.]

Thanks for the replies!

 

For the sukashi tsuba I would also guess Owari (only due to the symmetrical desing) but I'm no specialist and open for any comments.

And the "wig" on the second tsuba seems to be a straw raincoat..

[Tanto54]

On the second tsuba, you should look at attributes of certain gods (e.g., the Seven Gods of Fortune):

Hat of Invisibility = Kakuregasa 隠れ笠

Key to Divine Treasure House ("L" shaped item with the wooden handle under the hat at the top) = Kagi 鍵.

Cloak of Invisibility (Lucky Raincoat) = Kakuremino 隠れ蓑. Allows one to perform good deeds without being seen.

Robe of Feathers = Hagoromo 羽衣. A long loose flowing garment giving one the gift of flight. Attribute of Benzaiten.

Magic Mallet, Mallet of Good Fortune = Uchide no Kozuchi 打出の小槌. Brings forth money when struck against an object or when shaken.

Scroll of Wisdom & Longevity = Makimono 巻物. Common attributes of Jurōjin and Fukurokuju