Tsuba Motif I.d. Opinion?

[Ron STL]

I'm in the process of writing a description of a ko-kinko (personal opinion) and am having difficulty identifying the kiku-looking petals that surround the tsuba. First, there are 31 "petals", an odd number. If you can see from the pictures, these are oddly made on a slight angle, not perpendicular to the tsuba as one would expect. This leads me into thinking these do not represent kiku petals but something else. It is unlikely to be sloppy carving by the maker, that would be unlike the Japanese in a case like this. Opinions anyone???  Tsuba size is 67 mm x 64 mm x 4 mm at rim.

Ron STL

[John A Stuart]

Yes, the slight angle makes you wonder. So not jizu, not bead-like, it seems to be kiku form to me. John

[seattle1]

Hello:

 Might the angle be meant to complement the motion of the waves? They seem to provide that effect.

 Arnold F.

[Grey Doffin]

How about a chrysanthemum in a wind (mirroring the wind that makes waves) and the twist in the petals adds visual motion to the tsuba.  Kiku is such a prevalent motif for tsuba; little reason to discount it here.

Grey

[Curran]

Agree with Grey.

 

My little opinion is this one might go to Umetada instead of ko-kinko.

Either way, I like it. I'm a sucker for wave form and chrysanthemum tsuba, so this one is twice over a pleasure to me.

[Ron STL]

Thanks everyone, I think the idea of a kiku in the wind relating to the waves does make sense. Earlier today I was directed to another such treatment on a Heianjo tsuba. The kiku in wind was also mentioned. Curran, interesting to read you're idea that this might go to Umetada instead of ko-kinko. I've always thought of it being ko-kinko but since few have ever handled the tsuba before (never been to shinsa), Umetada would see a good possibility. I greatly enjoy ko-kinko, tachi-kanagushi, early works, so my thinking could be influenced by that. As you said, either way it is a beautiful tsuba. My intention is to have this in the 2017 KTK catalogue.

Ron STL

[Tanto54]

Dear Ron,

 

I think you may be on to something when you noticed the strange number of petals (31).  It's a bit of a long-shot, but the 31 petals may be a reference to Waka or Tanka poems (which have 31 syllables).  You might look for a famous poem about waves and chrysanthemums. 

[Ron STL]

Nothing wrong with long-shots. As I said, the Japanese artists never created a design by accident, so incorporating an odd number of petals very likely related to something as you suggested. Maybe after the SF show which is coming up fast, I'll continue to see what can be found online. Ron STL