What is this design?

[cdrcm12]

Dear NMB members I believe this to be an Akasaka school tsuba but deciphering the design is proving a challenge!

 

It looks like either a tree stump or a rock, with a hammer lying on top?

 

It may at one point have had a gold finish to the hammer head, as you can faintly see a trace of this on the first image.

 

Any help appreciated, tsuba dimensions below:

 

Height - 71.2mm

 

Width - 67.8

 

Mimi - 6.2mm

 

  

 

Many thanks

 

Colin

[Geraint]

Dear Colin.

 

Perhaps a chozubachi and dipper?  http://www.zen-garden.org/html/page_obj_tsukubai.htm

 

All the best.

[Ford Hallam]

I'd suggest that the design is that of a hatchet and a cherry/plum tree trump.

 

The basic theme is seen in the Edo period but this is, I believe a more modern take on the idea. For one the tale it alludes to doesn't require the tree to be completely chopped down, and secondly the other main design element, the axe, loses it's defining feature, the blade, because the design was poorly conceived. Not Edo professional would have thrown that element away so carelessly.

 

I can see the thought process regarding an Akasaka origin but for me the poor design choice regarding the axe (and there are some magnificent Akasaka design on this theme) would suggest otherwise, and the amount of surface carving seems a bit heavy handed also.

 

The patina is practically existent, which is worrying, and the nakago-ana feels  bit amateurish to me also.

 

My gut instinct is that this is a relatively recent piece. 

[Ganko]

Washington's Birthday design.

[cdrcm12]

All,

 

Thank you for your comments.