This beautiful shibuichi tsuba signed Yoshi (kao). This is the abbreviated signature of Yoshitoki (Shonai in Dewa Province). His Given name was Ando Hanbei and his working period was approximately 1700-1750. He is said to have been a student of the first Yasuchika.
This work also displays ink sticks of both a dragon and a tiger…(Ryuko Taiketsu). This tsuba was published in a volume of Zabotansen… page 343.
It comes in a custom made wooden box with athe following inscriptions. The hakogaki on the cover reads: Yoshi (kao) nagamarugata roginji (shibuichi) tsuba.
The hakogaki on the inside reads: In Mr. Nagaoka’s book called Shonai Kinko No Kenkyu this tsuba was item no. 120. This is a large tsuba measuring 3.25 inches tall by 3.125 inches wide.
This tsuba comes with NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon papers attesting to its authenticity and high quality and condition. The papers are translated as follows:
KANTEI-SHO (鑑定書) ‒ APPRAISAL
Koboku no zu tsuba (古墨図鐔) ‒ Tsuba depicting old inksticks
Mei: Yoshi/Gi + kaō ( 宜「花押」)
Tatemaru-gata, shibuichi, polished finish, sukidashi-takabori relief, ji-sukashi openwork, zōgan inlay, iroe accents, kaku-mimi ko-niku
According to the result of the shinsa committee of our society, we judge this work as authentic and rank it as Tokubetsu-Hozon Tōsōgu.
July 14, 2023
[Foundation] Nihon Bijutsu Tōken Hozon Kyōkai, NBTHK (⽇本美術⼑劍保存協會)
PRICE: $4,150.00
