Kanshiro Nishigaki sukashi tsuba

Steve Waszak · August 24

This piece is one of the highlights of my friend's collection. It is a 2nd- (or possibly 3rd-) generation Kanshiro Nishigaki sukashi tsuba, featuring a lively double tomoe-plus-kirimon motif. The shape is very appealing, I think, being that wonderfully peculiar aori-gata form that Kanshiro appeared to be quite fond of. A standout aspect of the guard is the fluid motion of the kirimon motif elements: they are not stiff and static (as they might be in a straight up-and-down posture, which is what we usually see); rather, they sweep from 6:00 on the dial toward 12:00, curving upwards through the forming of the blossoms, bringing a lot of vitality to the subject. They are juxtaposed against the negative spaces forming the double tomoe; this contrast only enhances the lively expression in this piece. I'm not even sure these are the best parts of the sword guard, though, as the metal is just superb. It is wonderfully finished, with a fine migaki-ji which nevertheless admits very subtle tsuchime. This is masterwork in tsuba finishing. The color is deep, the patina natural, clear, and glossy (as opposed to shiny). There is just the slightest hint of remaining kebori on the leaves of the kirimon.

If this tsuba were larger (8 cm or more), the price would be MUCH higher for this superb tsuba. For those looking to move into higher levels of collecting, I would personally highly recommend this piece. Were I myself not so strictly focused on Owari works, I'd have bought this from my friend myself. Dimensions are 7.3 cm x 7.1 cm x 3.5mm. $1,650.00, plus shipping. PayPal Friends and Family preferred.