Kyo Sukashi Hitsu

[Japan2112]

I was under the opinion that early Kyo sukashi tended to have both hitsu maru shaped and that the kogai ana became suhama gata later. Can someone shed some light on this for me? I have two early (Eisho'ish) kyo sukashi and both have kogai suhama gata. Thank you.

[FlorianB]

It is said that early Tsuba in general, not only Kyo-Sukashi but also Kanayama, Owari, Ko-Shoami, Ko-Kinko etc., have  identical hitsu ana shape in half-moon-form while the kogai hitsu ana was replaced by suhama gata later.

In Your case the Eisho aera is late Muromachi and in Sasano's books You find enough examples with suhama shaped kogai-hitsu-ana.

BTW concerning Kyo-sukashi guards there are also pieces from Momoyama or early Edo-period showing identical shaped hitsu-ana on both sides on account of geometric design.
Textbooks say also that Kyo-sukashi hitsu-ana have an oblong shape which is true but not the rule. There are Kyo-sukashi hitsu-ana in regular shape or even considerably rounded.

Alas a generalization seems impossible so a lot of comparing is necessary to get a feeling for this topic.

 

Best, Florian

[Japan2112]

Yes, Florian. Generalization, I think in this case, is not possible. Actually I decided upon my inquiry after sitting down with Sasano's book and coming away with that question. More study, I think.

Best, Mark

[Pete Klein]

The early exceptions to the rule - from, 'Tosogu no Kigan' by Sasano:

 

[Curran]

iron exception

[FlorianB]

Another quotation from “Tosogu no Kigen”:

 

The first period could be ignored concerning Kyo-Sukashi, due to the assumption they came into existance around Oei-Period.


Curran, great piece! Any nearer details?

Florian

[Yasaka Azuma]

Hello. Nakamura said in his book, in relation to hitiana of Heianjo-tsuba and Kyo-sukashi-tsuba.

It's just a short comment, but I'd like to see it as an image for reference. 

 

Yas,A

[Curran]

 

 

Florian wrote,  "Curran, great piece! Any nearer details?"

 

 

I am not sure what you mean by /nearer details/  , but I will send you a PM.