what is this tsuba imagery ?

[DAY]

Currently on E**y. Does any one have an idea as to what folklore or mythology is being shown on this tsuba ?   Thanks in advance for any info

David

[DAY]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/203993495161?_trkparms=amclksrc%3DITM%26aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20160908105057%26meid%3Dbcec042dea0d466cad7c556dcd59f2ba%26pid%3D100675%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D15%26sd%3D195141548164%26itm%3D203993495161%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D2380057&_trksid=p2380057.c100675.m4236&_trkparms=pageci%3A490629bb-edca-11ec-b9da-9e38cf03614c|parentrq%3A6ecd59a51810acd824b0a7f8fff88a30|iid%3A1

Sorry about image size on original post, my computer skills are lacking to say the least.

David

[Dan tsuba]

Hello David,

 

I don’t know a lot about tsuba.  But the motif on the tsuba you are asking about is interesting.  I notice that on the back side of the tsuba is part of a Torii gate.  A Torii gate is usually found at the entrance to a Shinto shrine.  So maybe the figure on the front of the tsuba is a Shinto priest performing some sort of “cleaning” or “purification” ritual.  Perhaps others on the forum can tell you more. 

 

With respect,

Dan

[Spartancrest]

I think it has something to do with a legend of a giant peach or plum? - someone will know the legend better than I.

 

For anyone wishing to post eBay links you only need the part of the link up to the question mark{?}. https://www.ebay.com/itm/203993495161

Edited June 17, 2022 by Spartancrest
new data

[GRC]

This one is Hotei behind a large bag, with a radish on the back.

Clearly not the same as what you posted David... but maybe a similar concept?

Maybe they are both some sort of "blessing for a good harvest"?

[Matsunoki]

The image is of a priest cleaning a large shrine bell.

 

[GRC]

nice Colin  spot on

[DAY]

Thank you Colin

[Baka Gaijin]

Good morning Gentlemen,

 

With reference to Glen's post.

 

The image of Hotei and his sack has long been used to portray a lack of concern for social conventions or material wealth.

 

He is said to have carried his meagre possessions around in a large sack.

 

As such, he became a popular subject for Zen ink painters, who saw him as the personification of non - attachment.

 

The item on the reverse which looks like a radish represents a priest's horsehair sceptre, known as a Hossu, which Hotei has gleefully discarded along with the other attributes of Buddhist dogma.

 

 

[Matsunoki]

This isn’t Hotei. It’s a Shinto priest cleaning a large temple bell. See the image I posted above. 

[Baka Gaijin]

Thank you Colin

 

I'm referring to the tsuba in Glen's post, and the attribution of a Radish to the ura,  I've just amended it so that there is no confusion.