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Early Tembo Tsuba


Steve Waszak

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Offered here is a fine iron Tembo tsuba dating to the Momoyama or earliest Edo Period. 

 

Tembo sword guards from this time are relatively rare, with 19th-century examples being far more commonly encountered.  The features of this tsuba pointing to the early dating include the kokuin (stamped) motif element (風, kaze = wind), which is associated with Saotome and Tembo works dating to the late-16th and early-17th centuries, and the form of the hitsu-ana, which have a decidedly pre-Edo character.  The kozuka-bitsu, in particular, would seem fit to accommodate an especially large kozuka. 

 

Besides the kaze motif element present in the kokuin, the sukashi would seem to represent a styled flower or other botanical subject, but I am not certain about this.  Another meaning is certainly possible. 

 

The tsuba is in excellent condition and measures 8.1cm x 7.7cm x 2mm at the nakago-ana (3mm at the mimi), so is quite thin.  This thinness, too, points to an early dating for the piece. 

 

Below are photos of the tsuba, together with a reference to another early Tembo guard with the same kokuin motif element.  The style and workmanship on this other example are quite close to the present tsuba.  It's possible both were made by the same artist.  This other example is dated here to Genna (1615-1624), but the thinness together with the form of the hitsuana in the present tsuba do, I think, point to a slightly earlier dating. 

 

For early-period Saotome and Tembo tsuba aficionados, this sword guard should have a lot of appeal. 

 

$750 plus postage and any applicable paypal fees.

 

Cheers,

 

Steve

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  • 7 months later...
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As is saying one of my friend, take tarts when they are flying. That’s the best flying tart I have seen for months. If not for years. I am very happy everybody let it pass. When Steve is offering something for sale, it is top. I got it in the mail this morning. What an iron!!!.

 

sorry for you guys😂

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