Iron Tosho/Katchusi tsuba

[Steve Waszak]

Tsuba such as these are often described as (Ko-)Tosho or (Ko-Katchushi), with the deciding factor often being the presence of a raised rim (Katchushi) or lack thereof (Tosho).  Key features of both include well-forged iron and ko-sukashi motif elements, with the "busier" designs usually having the tsuba in question being labeled (Ko-)Katchushi.  This particular sword guard, with its arrangement of sukashi elements (snowflakes and stars?) as it is, would likely find itself being labeled as (Ko-)Katchushi as a result.

 

The surface of this tsuba displays some beautiful tsuchime, which complements the motif tastefully, I think.  The color and patina of the piece are both very pleasing.  The "Ko" designation when applied to Katchushi guards is usually reserved for pre-Momoyama works, I believe, so, to be conservative, I would label this tsuba as Katchushi, likely a product of the Momoyama Period.   Dimensions are 8.1 cm x 2.5 - 3mm in thickness at the rim.  $475.00, plus shipping.  

[Steve Waszak]

[Steve Waszak]

[kissakai]

Nice