Katchushi? or if not, what?

[cspage]

Greetings all. This is one of two tsuba I acquired over the weekend (the other to be discussed later). To my modest knowledge it fits into the katchushi style of tsuba, but whether ko-katchushi, middle to late Edo, or what, I can't comment on. The kozuka-ana shape I've seen referred to as indicative of late Muromachi or Momoyama. I've seen the intersecting circles on a ko-katchushi tsuba on the Yamabushi Antiques website. The size is close, if somewhat smaller, to other examples I've seen in books and on websites. The decorative stamps I've not yet seen on an identified katchushi tsuba...yet. I would be interested in comments on the rectangular sukashi. The overall color is a rich chocolate brown with subtle variations. It has a supurb feel in hand.

 

width: 7.8 cm

height: 8.3 cm

thickness at the mimi: 3.2mm

 

Thanks for any comments.

 

Colin

[BMarkhasin]

Hi Colin,

 

The rectilinear design on the upper left is a variant of whats termed a Genji Mon. These are rectilinear symbols derived from Heian period incense fragrence guessing games. The longer explanation is rather long, so I will skip it. These symbols were adapted to define the 54 chapters of the Genji Monogatari. Genji mon variants are commonly seen in Edo period ukiyo-e as well as tosogu, but rarely actually match the symbols seen in the monogatari. The symbols were widely enough known (in form if not detail) to be grossly reproduced, and understood to broadly signify associations or analogues to classical Japanese culture. During the Edo period, classic revivals were common. The double circle mon is also associated with antiquity and most commonly seen in mid 15th c. tosogu. The stamps on the surface are of ?blossoms or snowflakes perhaps. So the overall interpretation may be that the tsuba was designed to be suggestive of classic ideologies and possibly a peaceful seasonal theme .... lets not go toooo far with the over-interpretation. You believe all this fluff so far??

 

If you feel compelled to group it, then I suppose it shares affinities with what is termed Tembo / Saotome (some associate elements of these groups with katchushi). I wouldn't go much further than that. As for age, I think it dates to the Edo period (17th c.). Its a pleasant tsuba with apparently nice iron. Good find.

Best,

Boris.

[cspage]

Boris, thank you so much. I was hoping you were still watching the Board. I was wondering about the Saotome aspect of the tsuba, and was just looking for some relationships that may occur to those out there much more versed in all this than I. I'm not so much interested in classifying the tsuba, just trying to reconcile all the references that are made and illustrated in the books and other resources available...just trying to learn more. I really like this tsuba. Thank you.

 

Colin