Nobuie Utsushi

[Iaido dude]

This is my new Nobuie utsushi made by a tsubako who so much admired and deferred to the old master that he put the signature of Shodai (or is it Nidai?) on the right hand side ("I am not worthy..."). It is in the classic moko/mokugo shape frequently seen with Nobuie tsuba. The double kuruma motif is carved in positive silhouette with edges defined by deeper kebori than seen in genuine Shodai/Nidai pieces. The nakakubo is skillfully executed over the entire rim. If the term tsuchime still applies, the hammer marks are larger than I'm used to seeing in Owari and Kanayama tsuba. The surface is like the wabi, sabi, yugen, and mono no aware aesthetic that emerged from Tea Ceremony in the Momoyama Period. In a smaller version like I've seen of Nobuie tsuba in the 6 cm range, I can imagine it mounted on a wakizashi brought into the tea room where it would blend with the other aspects of that atmosphere. One look at the tsuba would suffice to establish the refined taste of the buke and the communal enjoyment of all participants.

 

It's a large guard, but relatively light, so it should still be a good candidate for mounting to a practice iaito or katana to lend inspiration.

9 x 8.3 x 0.5 cm, $200 successful bid on Jauce.