"A well preserved and very rare iron tsuba of mokko shape. At the indentations are 'loops', a design not seen before. With a slightly raised rim area and hammered edge with many iron bones of several types. The hitsu-ana appear to be utilitarian but in fact are a design pattern. A similar pattern was exhibited at the 2021 Special Important Sword Fittings Exhibition.
At first thought the pattern on both sides were possibly kanji or Sanskrit characters, some in groups of four. The pattern is applied vertically on the front and horizontally on the back.
The age would seem to be about ca. 1700-1750. This might be the work of the Saotome school or an unknown independant artist. A very interesting work which needs a great deal more study." (Haynes & Long)
9.30cm x 8.50cm x 0.40cm |
