Jump to content

Recommended Posts

Posted

I've always had a bit of a soft spot for this motif. Ford Hallam did one that I nearly bought but talked myself out of and I have kicked myself ever after. Anyway, that's by the by but I came upon this one on Aoi that I quite like and nearly reached for the wallet, but then saw the price. It's a large tsuba and looks nicely done but is unsigned, unpapered and otherwise unattributed - is it only the motif (which I know is fairly rare) that creates the premium or is there something that I'm missing?

 

https://www.aoijapan.jp/鍔:-無銘-20/

 

image.thumb.jpeg.54ded572dfe095bfc96db86f2aa339a7.jpeg

  • Like 1
Posted (edited)

Hi John, I think it’s just the motif/subject.

In the wider field of Japanese art absolutely anything with a skull or skeleton is much sought after….okimono, netsuke etc. It’s the “momento mori” thing and would also appeal to all collectors of that genre irrespective of the actual object.

I also like that tsuba!….but I’m selling not buying!
Edit….pointed out by Jean @ROKUJURO…it’s Memento, not Momento. I’ve been using the wrong word for over 40 years. Nothing new there🙂

Edited by Matsunoki
  • Like 2
Posted

Thanks Colin, I suspected as much. Yes, I find it very appealing but, put in the context of what else you can get for £1k, I can't quite bring myself to spend the money...for now. :glee:

Posted

Instead of being a romantic Samurai death theme like Nozarashi - this is actually the bones of a woman...  The famous beauty and Poet Sotoba Komachi (aka Ono no Komachi).  The theme is about faded beauty.  The sotoba or grave post is the clue that the maker is giving to identify the theme.

  • Like 4
  • Love 2
  • Thanks 2

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
×
×
  • Create New...