This is an iron sukashi tsuba from the Myochin school. The Myochin school were primarily makers of the finest armor, but they also made some exceptional tsuba. This is a fine example of their work. The design is that of a wheel of good fortune or a prosperity wheel. It is a very thick and weighty piece that exudes strength and prosperity. It is slightly oval with a height of 3.03 inches or 7.7 cm and a width of 2.95 inches or 7.5 cm. This is a thick tsuba measuring 0.31 inches or 0.76 cm in thickness. The forged iron is very dense and it has the feel of a tsuba made by Nobuie. Since he was an armor maker before he made tsuba, it is not out of the question to wonder if the tsuba maker was influenced by the works of Nobuie.
The design consists of an eight spoked wheel with a thick and wide outer rim (mimi). At the four major points of the compass, there is a raised node of iron adding beauty and mystery to this fine tsuba. It comes with NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon papers attesting to its quality and the validity of the attribution. It is also in a custom made and fitted wooden box together with a cloth custom made cloth cover for the box. These covers alone will cost about $250.00. The condition of this piece is absolutely gorgeous with a lovely old patina and no rust or pitting.
SOLD
