Yoshiro school Tsuba? opinions

[edzo]

Dear Members,

I am seeking confirmation, opinions, age or thoughts regarding this tsuba part of an uchigatana. I think it is a Yoshiro school sukashi tsuba, iron plate with brass hira-zogan vines inlay, some loss, including small gold leaves, five of which have been lost to time. I’m leaning toward Momoyama period. It is mumei. I’m not sure what the design may represent perhaps someone else does. The plate is 7.8cm w x 8 cm H and 3.5mm thick at the marumimi.

Thank you in advance, Ed

[Soshin]

Hi Ed,

 

Sorry I am not to familiar with the Yoshiro school often referred to as the Kaga Yoshiro school. I don't know much about the early brass inlays schools in general. I only have one brass inlay tsuba in my collection and that is a Onin tsuba from the middle to late Muromachi Period based in Kyoto. Here is another example I found searching on the Google: http://www.giuseppepiva.com/index.php/kaga-yoshiro-tsuba.html?___store=us&___from_store=it. I hope you find what little information I have helpful.

 

 

 

Yours truly,

David Stiles

[Henry Wilson]

I would say the tsuba is Heianjo. For more info have a look here:

http://www.yamabushiantiques.com/RH%20TSUBA%205.htm

 

This is a good example of a Yoshiro tsuba (in my opinion). Notice the difference between yours and this.

http://www.yamabushiantiques.com/RH%20TSUBA%205.htm

 

Cheers

[edzo]

Dear Mr Wilson, thanks for your time and happy to hear from you again. I have done some research and became uncertain because I was looking at Onin, Hianjo and Yoshiro, with many similarities. I learned that Hideyoshi loved this combination and as a result named Yoshiro "best smith in the nation", Hideyoshi preferred the arabesque floral and as a result it became quite popular and I guess others copied it. (short story). I have a confirmed Koike Yoshiro that I posted some time ago with other tsuba. In any event I know this piece is tired but that weighed my conclusion that it might be late Momoyama. The plate looks somewhat similar including the arabesque design. Thanks, Ed

[Henry Wilson]

Hi Edward

 

I think basically we can say:

- Onin have brass dots

- Yoshiro have family mon

- Heianjo have relatively simple inlay designs compared to Yoshiro.

 

The arabesque floral pattern is an old classic and seem to pop up in alot of metal work, including old saddles and stirups. I have a very nice katchushi tsuba that has this pattern inlayed in the rim in brass and silver.

 

Regards

[edzo]

Hi again Henry, FYI, this is why I was confused regarding the mon statement "Koike Yoshiro Naomasa worked from the Keicho to the Genna period (1596-1623). He arrived in Kyoto from Kaga and this tsuba was made in Kyoto, prior to this time he used his full name to sign his work. Most of his guards were katana or tanto size.” Regards, Ed

[raven2]

I would agree with Henry. My first thought was Heianjo.

[edzo]

Dear David and Fred, thank you for the link and opinions. I have researched the tsuba a pittle more and would agree with the heianjo school. Thanks again, Ed