Namban Tsuba Motif I.d.

[Ron STL]

Hopefully I didn't post this earlier. Here is an interesting namban tsuba that was acquired at a Chicago show. Its motif is very symmetrical with the primary feature being -- my question -- what I think is an oni or demon. Notice the seppa dai shape which almost appears as his tongue. A very similar example is in John Lissinden's book on Namban tsuba, plate 8. Another but not quite so alike is on plate 10. Plate 8 is from the Nottingham Museum and I did check the little catalogue of years ago, but found nothing. It would be interesting (to me, at least) to get more opinions on this. Your thoughts on this? I'll have this tsuba at the upcoming SF show if anyone is interested to see it in hand. Not a treasure tsuba, but interesting nevertheless. Ron STL

[Ron STL]

Not sure what happened, but let me post the picture again. Ron STL

[Guido]

Ron, the motif - i.e. the demon -is called shikami 獅噛.

[Ron STL]

Thanks Guido, I'll familiar myself with the fellow. We should be in touch sometime...think how long ago it was when we first exchanged letters (manual typewriters).  Ron STL