What Motif On Shoami Sukashi Tsuba?

[Jesper]

Hi all,

Does anyone know what this motif if called? One part represent the end of a spool, I think, but I am unsure about the rest. 

 

Thanks in advance.

 

 

Jesper P.

 

[Teimei]

Butterflies  !

 

I don´t have a clue... bamboo maybe?

 

 

Regards,

[Brian]

Hi Jesper,

Sometimes I think that these smiths just thought a design was interesting, without a particular theme. Not sure if that is the case here, but being so symmetrical, it is possible.

 

Brian

[Toryu2020]

Jesper -

I think you are on the right track, I would agree the cross shape that dominates the piece is inspired by a spool. The artist it seems has deftly inserted hishi (diamond shapes) into the openings in a very nice treatment Ihave not seen before. For whats it is worth I like this a lot-t

[Jesper]

Thank you for the feedback, much appreciated. 

 

The use of the Hishi pattern may have a connection to the spool design. The pattern was used as early as the Heian period and onwards, especially on textiles, but also on e.g. lacquerware and furniture. Even if the design remain somewhat of a mystery it is a well composed tsuba, I think. 

 

Jesper P.