Choshu Tsuba

Of the eleven Choshu tusba making schools, the three earliest are the Kawaji, Nakai and Okamoto. The early Choshu tsuba show significant Shoami influence and are relatively large. Bushu influence can be seen in some of the later work. Most of the later Choshu tsuba are small. -Jim Gilbert.

The early work was influenced by Umetada Miōju, who spent some time at the Suō capital, Yamaguchi, as well as by members of the Shōami group; thus, examples by the Nakai often show incrustation of the softer metals on the iron ground. Chōshū guards are usually in iron of a rich black patina, with sharp, powerful and carefully modelled relief, either solid or perforated. There may be a sparing enrichment of gold, but this is unusual. –http://jameelcentre.ashmolean.org/collection/7/10237/10352

This is an interesting Choshu tsuba signed 長州住友之 Choshu Jyu Tomoyuki.  The quality of the iron looks very good.  Rare design. The depiction of roosting bird of prey in a pine tree shows nice carving detail. Needs some minor clean-up to be premium.

Period: Mid Edo. (1600s)

Dimensions: 6.9 x 7.6 cm.

Nakago Ana: 2.4 cm.

Price: SOLD

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