Kenjo Tsuba

[kyushukairu]

I'm offering a nice 'kenjo' tsuba for sale. According to Haynes, "Kenjo means: presentation, a gift of an object to a superior or an equal. This type of tsuba was often made as a gift, usually from one daimyo to another or anyone with the wealth to afford a tsuba such as this, with the hope that some favor might be granted, or that an alliance could be obtained."

The particular style of the tsuba for sale is known as 'Kyo-kenjo', because these tsuba were made in Kyoto. Kyo-kenjo tsuba often portray scenes from within and around Kyoto, and are termed 'rakuchu rakugai-zu' (洛中洛外図), which means within the capital (洛中) and outside the capital (洛外).

I'm not confident in claiming that the tsuba depicts Kyoto, though it is said that east Kyoto flourished, and this is where the temples, residences, and Imperial palace was built, whereas west Kyoto was undeveloped and consisted mainly of wetlands. The tsuba on offer portrays something similar - the omote presents a well-developed scene with a palace, residences and a bridge, whilst the ura depicts a singular house, foliage, and hills.  

For this fairly-well preserved tsuba which would have possibly been owned by a daimyo, I'm asking £450 





 

[Nihontocollector19]

Wish I had the funds I would so buy this for my wakizashi

[Nihontocollector19]

Sent you a message

[kyushukairu]

bump

[kyushukairu]

still available