Akasaka Motif Question

[Japan2112]

Hello gents,

 

I have seen a couple of these Akasaka tsuba in books, always in mokume plate. Any ideas on what the sukashi motif represents? 

I was thinking rabbit over waves, but....?   The image shown is from the Chic Sukashi Akasaka book by Sano museum.

 

Thanks

 

Mark C.

 

[Curran]

I understand them to be Court Hats, though yours looks to have a bit more dash or flair to it.

Given time, you can probably track down the specific style.

 

It is easiest just to throw up a korean example, so you get the idea.

http://koreanhistoricaldramas.com/jang-youngsil/

Similar hats, [eboshi (?)] in Japan.

 

Guido or one of the more culturally immersed can correct my quick stab at an answer.

[SteveM]

Agree. I think the theme is eboshi sukashi zu (烏帽子透かし図). 

 

Compare with the tsuba in the top picture on the attached site.

http://saisoku.2-d.jp/katana/2016/05/31.html

[Japan2112]

Ah, yes. A good start.

Thank you Curran and Steve.

[TETSUGENDO]

This motif is often a reference to SHOKI.

 

-StevenK

[Japan2112]

It is interesting that once you focus on a motif, you begin to see it more often. Thanks of the tip, Steve. Can you give an example of this as a reference to Shoki?  

 

BTW, here is an 8th generation (?)  Akasaka also with mokume plate - looks rather like an utsushi of the 5th above. 

[TETSUGENDO]

Mark,

 

Google images of Shoki and you should find what you are looking for.

 

-StevenK

[Pete Klein]

OK - done.  And your point is?

 

 

 

[TETSUGENDO]

Most amusing.

 

-StevenK

[Jean]

Cannon balls

[Henry Wilson]

Looks like he belongs here!

[Japan2112]

Aha, the special cap he wears.

Thanks, Stephen. 

[Vermithrax16]

I have really become attracted to mokume work tsuba as it reminds me of masame hada in swords.