Translation requested and info on the maker

[Jean]

Before posting the batch of tsuba in the sale section, I need a translation of this mei and info on the tsubako

[uwe]

First glance, Yūchikudō Nishikawa Masatora…

[uwe]

Hello Jean,

 

im not at home, so I’ve to handle it with my phone….cumbersome 😅
Unfortunately can’t say much more except that he was a late Edo period artist from Edo (gō Yūchikudō). I hope some more knowledgeable chime in…

The mei: 遊竹堂西川正虎 + kao

[Jean]

Thanks my friend. I show it this morning at my Flyfishing club to Marc Broquin and here is his answer after looking in his book:

 

YUCHIKUDO NISHIKAWA MASATORA

 

First tsubako/master of SUNAGAWA school, school issued from AKASAKA  school.

 

Now, I don’t know his rating

[ROKUJURO]

Interesting TAMA-shaped (?) TSUBA! Quite special!

[Jean]

More info on the maker according the Wakayama in 3 volumes:

 

his given date is around 1775 and as his school is directly issued from the AKASAKA school, he is worthy being in the Kinko Meikan where he is rated RYU KO ( a best among the best)

 

 

[Bruce Pennington]

On 5/29/2023 at 3:31 PM, ROKUJURO said:

Interesting TAMA-shaped (?) TSUBA! Quite special!

Jean, forgive the Rookie question - but is that the flaming jewel?  Looks like a flaming jewel to me.

[ROKUJURO]

Bruce,

as we all never stop to learn, there are no Rookie questions! Yes, TAMA is the 'flaming jewel'.

[Bugyotsuji]

Note that this is also a 宝珠 Hōju Mon/Kamon.