Yatsuhashi bridge

[kissakai]

Hi

If I see what looks like iris's and a plank I think it is the Yatsuhashi bridge

What do you think of the Edo tsuba?

The flowers do not look like Iris's and the 'bridge' is very basic

Why a tree trunk by the kogai ana and a flower dangling at 12 o'clock

 

 

 

[GRC]

Hi Grev.

Definitely Yatsuhashi theme 

They don't always put 8 bridges.

The flowers aren't always irises.

Both can vary.

But as long as you have water, grasses and/or flowers and zig-zags, it's the Yatsuhashi theme.

 

The tree trunk is unusual though.

 

Couldn't hazard a guess as to the exact age, but maybe late Edo as the oldest?

It looks kind of "pristine" though, almost like it was just made. Maybe a presentation piece or gifted tsuba?

 

[kissakai]

Thanks Glen

I'll use that description

Very good condition

It is quite heavy and I'd didn't show the edges which have very small 6 points stars and other 'stuff' zogan style and there is a bit of age

 

[FlorianB]

Sorry to be a drag, but I’m not sure if it is Yatsuhashi at all.

We see a collection of various flowers comprising chrysanthemum, bellflower, iris, peony and a trunk with plum (or cherry) buds.

I don’t know if there is a special meaning in this ensemble. Perhaps a connection to seasons.

 

The zig-zag line reminds me to several laquer works giving the impression of parts merged together. Like this:

 

In my opinion the tsuba motif needs further study.

 

Best,
Florian

[GRC]

Well now that you mention it Florian, that could certainly be a possibility.

Let me downgrade my "definitely" to a "could be".

 

I have "Yatsuhashi" on the brain after researching it for the "beams motif" summary.

The Japanese definitely played around with the motif a fair bit so I'm starting to see it everywhere.  

[kissakai]

I think Florian is right but I'll still describe it as ~Yatsuhashi bridge as the alternative would be something like

Image bisected by a zig zag line even though the subject is the same!!!!!!!!!!

 

[FlorianB]

That’s up to you.

 

Japanese art aims at a subjective perception, so the depicted is just an impetus for deeper understanding.

 

Florian

[GRC]

Completely agree with Florian's statement 

 

Here's the one I just missed out on, to someone with deeper pockets...

It's also the example I still had "on the brain", where I thought the Yatsuhashi theme was cleverly and creatively depicted.

I think the raised mimi represents the flower, the zig-zag is the reference to the Yatsuhashi (8 bridges), and the mokume is the water itself.

Stunningly simply and elegant representational art.

I'm already regretting losing out on this one... at least I got to see it and admire it