Tanaka Kageharu (景春 ) Tsuba

[Kurikata]

Hi , 

 

another Tanaka tsuba signed Kageharu (景春 ), I have recently purchased. Referenced in Haynes (H2340) describing him  as a student of Tanaka Toshikage . I found another tsuba by him on the web : https://blog.goo.ne.jp/tsuba_001/e/16440e9a2b9d7ddb9063fa7ef976c9ed

 

All commenst are more than welcome

[Kurikata]

[ckaiserca]

I really like the sense of motion in this tsuba. The tiger looks very put out by being rained upon.

[John A Stuart]

I think he is sheltering under a tree. Perhaps an allegory with the tiger looking at the waves soon to wash upon his sanctuary proving some times a place of shelter is not a place of enduring safety. John

[BjornLundin]

http://www.ncjsc.org/item_tanaka_yoshikage_tsuba.htm
 

"Tanaka" Yoshikage 義景 (c. 1850)

Certification: NTHK
 

Yoshikage was a student of Tanaka Kiyotoshi 田中清壽, and worked in Shiba in Edo. His works are mainly in the style of the Tanaka School. His family name is  Morikawa 森川, and he used the art names of Hoansai 宝庵斎, and Hoshinsai 宝真斎.

This iron tsuba exhibits the original, and much admired, red-brown patina this school was known for, as well as the rust these tsuba were prone to develop. As can be seen in the photos, there is no more rust on this tsuba today, then there was when this tsuba was photographed for "The Naunton Collection" catalogue, around 1912, shortly after this tsuba was made. At that time this tsuba was only 50 or 60 years old. Much of this rust can be reduced, leaving a much nicer look, as seen on the top quarter of the back view.

The iron plate has a waxy, slightly irregular, surface and looks like stone or leather. Much of the gold on the tree and branches is applied very thickly using nunome, with few hints visible as to the method used.

This subject was very popular among the rich merchants of Edo, in the late Edo period. A very similar treatment of this theme was done by Natsuo.

[Kurikata]

Thank you Björn , John  and Charles for your comments. In fact this design of a tiger under the rain is quite common in the Tanaka school. Another exemple has been sold in Bonhams ( Edward Wrangham Collection) with almost the same feeling... :https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/20555/lot/20/

[Japan2112]

Beautiful tsuba and the tiger pawing over the mimi is great! The storm is clearly annoying him.