Two Higo (Hirata?) Iron Sukashi Tsuba

[Steve Waszak]

On offer here are two iron sukashi sword guards.  They are clearly works out of the Higo tradition, and may be more immediately tied to the Hirata workshop.  These are both deceptively simply pieces, featuring well-worked iron and rather classically Higo expression.  I will present photos and dimensions for each tsuba in separate posts.

 

The first piece here measures 8.4cm x 7.95cm x 3mm.  It is a relatively large guard, and would be an excellent fit for a Higo koshirae.  Ito Mitsuru's fantastic series of books on the four main Higo tsuba traditions -- Hirata, Shimizu, Nishigake, and Hayashi (and Kamiyoshi) -- includes an image of a piece he attributes to Hirata which could be twin of the present work.  If a large, spartan, Higo expression is to your liking, this sword guard would fit the bill.  $550 plus shipping.

 

 

[Steve Waszak]

The second of the tsuba is a somewhat smaller, but more robust work in terms of its thickness, measuring 7.65cm x 7.6cm x 5mm.  The sukashi openwork features a scalloped design, and so is rather less severe and spartan in its expression than the first example.  This piece, too, would suit a Higo koshirae admirably.  $550, plus shipping.  

 

 

 

 

[HannesT]

Two nice Tsuba. To me, the first one resembles the work of Heihachiro Nakane. Notably, there are remnants of silver inlay near the mimi, which is a characteristic feature. These silver inlays depict the design of thunder and are often seen on Nakane Tsuba. This would make a great addition for a higo koshirae.

[Steve Waszak]

Hi Hannes,

 

Yes, you may very well be correct.  This guard certainly is reminiscent of Nakane's work.