"A mokko-gata iron tsuba with rustic sobriety and unpretentiousness as achieved by the Yamakichibei lineage is perfect in keeping with Zen aesthetic sensibilities that were popular during its time of manufacture. Furthermore, the overall quality, brown-ish color and abundance of globular and linear tekkotsu illustrates the close relationship to the origin of the school.
The tsuba features two sukashi of 'katsumushi'. Both hitsu-ana are present, one being filled with shakudo. The nakago-ana has copper inserts.
Signed: 'YAMAKICHIBEI'. Appears to have been made by the master, rather than being a daisaku/daimei piece. The workmanship expresses more feeling and power. Dates to ca. 1600." (Long)
8.10cm x 7.60cm x 0.61cm |
