New tsuba - can anyone provide some information please?

[Beater]

Having had my eye on this one for quite some some, I finally took the plunge. The seller had it down as late Edo period. Signed Issai Saku and that the maker also went by the name of Tsuchiya Takechika. (No reference as to where this info came from.) I believe Takechika is a fairly respected maker from the Naga school?

It is in fact signed, "Hagi (no) ju ? Issai saku". There was a hand-written note under the cushion in the tsuba box, which suggests the missing kanji could be "Shi"?

A friend (with more reference books than me) informed me that he found a few Issai tsuba-makers but none from Hagi or indeed Choshu.

I understand the landscape depicted is the island of the distant mountain of immortality - a popular Chinese Daoist theme?

 

Can anyone confirm the translation and is there any information known about this maker please?

 

Many thanks in anticipation.

 

Kevin.

[ROKUJURO]

https://collections.mfa.org/objects/11879

Reference for the famous TSUCHIYA TAKECHIKA 

 

Looks different.

[Tanto54]

Hi Kevin,

 

I can confirm that the theme is Mount Hōrai (Mount Penglai) based on the shape of the gate at the base of the stairs.

[TETSUGENDO]

Kevin,

 

Jean and George have both given you accurate information.  BTW, nice classic 'Chinese landscape' scene, enjoy!

 

-S-

[Beater]

Thanks gents. Agreed - the example in Boston Museum of Fine Art by Takechika bears no resemblance of kanji style nor in general appearance of workmanship.

It seems to be well carved, so hoping someone will know more about Issai and perhaps another example by him is known?

 

Kind regards,

 

Kevin.