This particular tsuba likely is a revival of the much older style termed a Shitogi Tsuba.   The original would have dated to the 13th or 14th century and would have adorned a tachi.  This tsuba retains the exact proportions and style of the older originals, including the flat inome sukashi and 4 punches (one per lobe), and being slightly wider than high.  It is made of reddish yamagane and retains remnant black lacquer in the yasuri which remain on both sides.  The thickness of this tsuba is in line with Muromachi period aesthetics which favoured a thin plate and slightly thickened rim.    The large irregularly-shaped lead hitsu-ana plugs are also suggestive of a Muromachi date.

This kind of revival work was popular at close of the 15th and early 16th centuries, and thus represents an important example of Sengoku period tachi-shi work.  This tsuba is a very rare, interesting and high quality example of an old tsuba imitiating an even older style.    Likely the most interesting example of tachishi craftsmanship I have seen from the period.

Comes with a high quality custom fitted box and an antique silk tsuba slip-cover box.

Muromachi Period, ca. 1500.

7.7 x 8.0 x 0.2 cm seppadai, 0.3cm mimi.

SOLD