Help Identifying Fable Or Meaning On Tsuba

[Yoshimichi]

Dear NMB Members:

 

Does anyone know the story, fable or motif depicted on this tsuba. I just saw a Naminohira Yasukuni katana with the same horimono motif . The owner wants to know what the motif means. It shows one of the persons pointing at something. any ideas? Any help is appreciated. 

 

Regards,

Bill E. Sheehan (Yoshimichi) 

[ROKUJURO]

Probably KANZAN and JITTOKU with his broom. Very good TSUBA, but I cannot identify the alloy. Looks a bit as if the patination has gone.

 http://figal-sensei.org/hist157/Textbook/graphics/ch7/10.htm

 

 

[Toryu2020]

Kanzan and Jittoku for sure...

-t

[TETSUGENDO]

Jean and Tom have got it.

 

-StevenK

[Yoshimichi]

Thank you, gentlemen. I really appreciate it. It never ceases to amaze me at the breadth of knowledge of NMB members. 

 

Regards,

Bill E. Sheehan (Yoshimichi)

[Marius]

I think not. This looks an elderly couple, so possibly  Joo (尉) and Uba (媼)? Then again, I miss references to a pine, and what does the tiger mean?

[TETSUGENDO]

Bill,

 

The tsuba you are inquiring about is a well known work (or certainly should be) by Unno Shomin, the subjects depicted are Kanzan and Jittoku.

 

-StevenK

[Krystian]

Hello, 

 

Is it not the same tsuba? 

 

https://markussesko.com/2013/04/05/from-the-life-of-unno-shomin/

 

Regards. 

 

Krystian

[TETSUGENDO]

Krystian,

 

Yes, same piece.

 

-StevenK

[Ford Hallam]

Kanzan and Jittoku by Unno Shomin. The alloy is shibuichi, probably around 12% silver with copper. One of the great tsuba masterpieces imo.

 

I did a little study of the tiger about 23 years ago shortly after I came back fro  y first Japan study trip.

 

 

 

 

[Kanenaga]

I believe this tsuba is on display -- or was at least in November during the DTI -- at the Nezu Museum in Tokyo, as part of the Mitsumura collection show.