Naomitsu shibuichi tsuba

[kyushukairu]

I'm intending to part with a few high-end pieces. First up is an elegant shibuichi tsuba signed 'Naomitsu'.

At first glance, it appears as a standard shibuichi plate done in katakiri-bori. However, the tsuba itself is actually sanmei - with layers of shibuichi placed upon a copper core and affixed with a silver rim. The katakiri-bori is also emphasised through the use of ke-bori on the subject's garments, with patterns of clouds, flowers, and vines. These features are given a further dimension with the application of silver, copper, and shakudo iro-e on the subject's faces. The mei is also very confidently carved with the name 'Naomitsu' (直光), whom I believe to be Yanagawa Naomitsu (1733-1808). All in all, whilst this tsuba initially appears quite subtle in design, there are lots of fine details which emerge as you study it. 

*comes in a high-end box with wood trim and cushion

[Oshy]

Maybe its just the great photos but the carvings look very crisp, I like it

[Ken-Hawaii]

Yes, nice tsuba, Kyle.

[kyushukairu]

It's the tsuba, Mike. The artist has skilfully blended a mix of katakiri-bori (deep carving) with ke-bori (hairline carving) to manipulate the metal and give a sense of life to the subjects

Thanks for the kind words, Ken! 
 

[kyushukairu]

Further images available upon request

[kyushukairu]

With regards to the mei, there is a similar example under Yanagawa Naomitsu in Sesko's Signature's of Japanese Sword Fittings. The Nao (直) in particular is consistent throughout all the shoshin examples and has an unusual 'T' for the bottom two strokes within the character. 

 

[kyushukairu]

Admin, please move to sold archive