Shoki and Oni Edo-period tsuba

[DirkO]

First of, let me start by saying that I'm not a tsuba guy. I can appreciate some schools more than other (Akasaka, good Heijanjo and Oni) but that's about as far as it goes. I've picked up this tsuba for it's composition which I found very playfull, the tsuba actually being used by Shoki and the Oni as a background for their chase. I found the Oni gripping around the mimi with it's claw a very nice addition. The nanako (on the plate, not on the rim) seems to be fine and well executed.

 

Measurements are 5,5cm x 6cm.

 

Any ideas on the work or maybe a hint as to which school would be very much appreciated. Also there's some green oxidation at the top which worries me, any tips to remedy that would also be very helpfull.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Surfson]

Saw this tsuba on ebay a couple weeks ago, and meant to bid. It had ended by the time I remembered to run back to my computer. Well done, nice purchase!

[Thierry BERNARD]

http://www.scholarsresource.com/browse/work/2144653909

 

http://art.thewalters.org/viewwoa.aspx?id=29804

[DirkO]

Thanks Thierry - So it seems to be based on a late Edo design. As far as I can see, the figures seem to be made in shibuichi and the tsuba itself in shakudo? (but not 100% sure). In hand it looks nicer than these blown up pics.

 

I don't know if someone has more information on the MFA one? Or more reference pictures of the same design?

[Bob M.]

Hi,

See page 5 of the 'What are your favourite fittings ' thread on this forum a few weeks ago .

 

Original design was Toshinaga - many adaptions since of hugely varying quality - some chinese knock-offs - all the usual for a popular theme....

[Thierry BERNARD]

http://www.archive.org/download/tsubajapaneseswo00coop/tsubajapaneseswo00coop.pdf p38

[DirkO]

Thanks Thierry and Bob - very informative!