Identification of a Tsuba Please

[Zostrianos]

I posted this tsuba on the SFI forums and was given some good general information on my tsuba and then pointed in this direction for more detailed information. I purchased this tsuba because I thought it was beautiful and now I'd like to know a bit more about. I was told it may be of the "Mito, Nara, or Shoami" school. I looked into that on the web and indeed it has some similarities to the images of tsuba from those schools. Is there a way to get more detailed information about this particular tsuba? I am a complete noob in this world so I apologize ahead of time if I'm asking unanswerable questions.

 

 

[docliss]

Dear J (? John)

 

I believe that your tsuba illustrates JŠand Uba, the subjects of a NŠplay, ‘Takasago’, by Kwanami Motokiyo. These are the Spirits of the Pine Trees of Takasago and of Sumiyoshi in the form of an old woman with a broom and an old man, normally shown with a rake. Having grown old together, they sweep away the pine needles from beneath their respective trees as a married pair, although far apart. They are a popular subject of Japanese art, as a symbol of longevity and of happy old age. (Edmunds, Pointers and Clues ... )

 

In my personal opinion, your tsuba is probably late C18 – early C19 Nara work.

 

Regards, John L.

[Zostrianos]

John, thank you! This is exactly the kind of information I was hoping to get. The story sounds close to the Greek one called Philemon and Bacchus. As a Jungian analyst the story is very important to the object to me. I'll now go search for the Japanese story. My hunt goes on!

 

Warm Regards,

 

John

[Nobody]

I am not sure, but the picture reminds me of the story of Taketori Monogatari (竹å–物語). The old parents are watching the Moon after their daughter had gone.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Tale_o ... boo_Cutter

http://www.e-hon.jp/kaguya/kage0.htm

[Zostrianos]

Yes! I even know that story! I don't know why I never thought to connect that story to the image. Now I have two interesting stories to follow. I've found a translation of the Noh play and will read it this afternoon... the Noh play for Takasago that is. Kagehime is such a nice story too!

[Eric H]

Jo and Uba on board of the Takarabune. Fukusa framed behind glass.

 

Eric