Very interesting tsuba by famous armorer
Myōchin Munesuke (1641 - 1726) who was the 24th mainline master of the
prestigious school. Full signature reads:
Myōchin Munesuke tsuisaku ōjū (明珍宗介鎚作
應需
The tsuba uses dense premium quality folded steel used in top caliber armor. It is unusually shaped, with 8 sides. Each side has been very skillfully and artfully formed by a combination of techniques, including first hammering into a high rim or uchikaeshi (打返) and then further shaping into lobes sukinokoshi (鋤残). It is wonderfully precise work, and the more you view it, the more you appreciate its quality. The surface ornament has been kept to a tasteful minimum, with some kebori (毛彫) carving of a basket pattern or Ajiro-mon (網代文), and sukashi elements including a rain-dragon or Amaryū (雨竜) and small holes or ko sukashi (小透). Purposefully, none of the ornament detracts from the main focus - the beautifully forged and hammered steel plate.
Also worth noting, although the tsuba is safely attributed to Munesuke, the signature has been crisply executed by a professional engraver, and not Munesuke's normal, less refined strokes (for an example of his own hand, see this link). It is believed this choice may have been in recognition of the special order client.
This tsuba is an exceptional example of a special order piece, made to the refined wishes of an important client, by a master armorer. It is thus an important reference piece, and would be a unique addition to any collection focused on higher-end iron tsuba or armor. Custom fitted box is included. Click on image below to zoom.
Translation of the NBTHK Hozon paper description follows:
雨竜透網代文鐔 (Amaryū Sukashi Ajiro-mon Tsuba)
銘 明珍宗介鎚作 応需 (Mei Myōchin
Munesuke Tsuisaku Ōjū)
八角形 鉄地 小透 (Hachi-Kakugata tetsu-ji ko-sukashi)
毛彫 打返耳 両櫃孔 (Kebori Uchikaeshi-mimi Ryō-hitsuana)
Heisei 5th year (1993) March 18th
Measurements: 7.1cm x 6.4cm x 0.78cm rim
Edo Period (江戸時代)
$2,800
info@tosoguya.com
