Large Tembo Hot Stamped Iron Tsuba, Sukashi Decoration of Okiagari
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Directory: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Swords and Related: Pre 1837 VR: Item # 1343243
Directory: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Swords and Related: Pre 1837 VR: Item # 1343243
A large Tembo tsuba. The Tembo (or Tenpo) style evolved from the Saotome school and the sukashi decoration of Okiagari here (an especially nice feature) carries over. Okiagari are self righting toys and the subject was a symbol of inspiration to Samurai in aspiring to improvement and the right path in life. There is, on a curious level of interest, some minute trace of old gold decoration (long since worn off) on the surface of this tsuba. Though there are transitional examples, the present example has a drier feel more typical of Tembo iron (Saotome examples having a smoother, wetter feel.) The kozuka-ana plugged with, apparently, pewter. Edo period. Good condition with one small scratch (should be easily treatable.) Height 3 3/8 inches (85 cm), Width 3 3/16 inches (81.5 cm), and 5/32 of an inch (4 cm) thick.
