Seeking Opinions or Information - Benkei Tsuba with Brass Fitting

[Jake6500]

Hi all,

 

I recently started an Edo Period Tsuba collection and am still building my knowledge base about different schools of craftsmanship or appraisal.

 

I have two Tsuba that are authentic Echizen-Ju Kinai Tsuba with iron bases and gold inlay. Whilst these are not certified through the NBTHK I am confident in their authenticity based off my own research and comparisons to other authentic Tsuba by the same school in the same Edo Period Han. In addition to these, I have a Hozon certified Tsuba depicting the deity Daikokuten. Once again, this Tsuba has an iron base and gold inlay.

 

My last Tsuba which I recently acquired is different from the others and therein lies the reason for this post. Whilst the seller whom I purchased the Tsuba from appears to be reliable (a lot of their items are certified) my most recent addition is an uncertified piece with little information to work with. The Tsuba has an iron base again, however this time the decorative fittings appear to be from brass and depict Benkei at Gojo Bridge. As there is no inscription or information about the artist or school of craftmanship and as I have no experience until now dealing with Tsuba decorated/fitted with brass, I was hoping to seek some expert advice here.

 

Any potential information about the artist, the school of craftsmanship or about how to authenticate/assess Tsuba with brass decoration like this would be appreciated!

 

 

[Spartancrest]

Welcome to NMB Jake.

Perhaps someone can give a translation to the hakogaki on the box lid?  Have you tried giving Matsukaze a message to see what the seller knows?

All the best.

[nice guard]

[Jake6500]

Translating the hakogaki on the box is a great idea, though I lack the Japanese skills to properly do so myself.

 

I did glean some limited information with image to text translation, namely that the box matches the Tsuba (specifies circular iron base and brass) and that it was catalogued Autumn 1980 by a "Yukito Abe". Some new information to work with.

 

It also gave me a bit more information about the theme. The scene depicted is Benkei on Gojo bridge, specifically from the Noh play Ataka written in 1465 which was popular during the Edo Period along with its many Kabuki adaptations spanning the entire 18th and early 19th centuries (the latest being Kajincho, 1840).