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KoKinko Tsuba
Rather small tachi form tsuba which is possibly made of
bronze. The base metal has taken a somewhat darker patina
than the yamagane sekigane in the nakago. The metal also
seems very hard and when tapped has a very pleasing,
resonating ring which is unexpected for such a small tsuba.
The surface design appears to have been punched in with a
tool, however it is possible that it was cast that way. The
design is similar to some found in mirrors from the
Nambokucho- Early Muromachi period. In the construction of
this tsuba, the surface design was done before the addition
of the holes which I believe were added at a later date as
there is black lacquer found all around the mimi and in
places on the surface, yet none inside the hitsu and kogai
ana. The shape and angle of the hitsu and kogai ana are
indicative of the Muromachi period. Whenever they were
added, they post date the original date of production of
this piece. The original size of the nakago ana would
suggest that this tsuba was made for a rather large blade.
The patina of this tsuba is a beautiful dark patina with
some nice deep dark green oxidation in places. In all, this
is a very nice and unusual piece that would make a great
addition to an early kinko tsuba collection.
6.3cm x 5.9cm x 0.4cm
Early Muromachi
$700