Nobuie Tsuba 

This Nobuie tsuba I believe was made during the Keicho era (1596 - 1615), which spanned the period just before the battle of Sekigahara and ended just before the battle of Osaka.  The form and design is similar to those of the early generations of the Nobuie school. The signature is bold, yet has worn slightly from use. The signature looks very much like that attributed to the early Nobuie's as well.   The slightly raised outer edge of the tsuba encompases the full perimeter, indicating the mokko-form is original - some early tsuba began life circular, but were then converted to mokko-form, which resulted in the loss of the rim in 4 areas.   The mimi on this tsuba is rather low and not as bold as shodai Nobuie. Another proper attribute of this tsuba is that the design was carved into this tsuba before a final firing.  The final firing in Nobuie tsuba is important because it gave the tsuba added hardness, and softened the incised design.   The incised design on the plate, in combination with tsuchime gives the appearance of wood burl.   There are two hitsuana with plugs (hitsudome) made of lead with a dark patina. The hitsu have a softness and irregularity to them that are suggestive of early Nobuie.  The hitsudome have been thoughtfully incised with the tree bark pattern.   The plate of the tsuba appears to be covered with a light layer of lacquer.  There are also small areas of tekkotsu in the rim though they are difficult to see because of the lacquer covering the surface.   A triangular nick appears on the rim, and although it is difficult to say with certainty, it may represent a small battle scar.  This may be evidence that it was at least used in defense at some point.   

This is a nice old Nobuie tsuba with a number of characteristics suggestive of early generations.   This piece will be appreciated by the connoisseur of kachushi and Nobuie tsuba.

Late Momoyama – Early Edo period

7.45  x 6.6 x 0.4 cm at nakago ana 0.45  cm at mimi.

 

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