Description A RARE HAZAMA-SCHOOL SILVER-INLAID IRON TSUBA WITH NBTHK CERTIFICATE
Japan, 18th century or earlier, Edo period (1615-1868)
Of yatsu mokko gata (eight-lobed) and oval form with one hitsu, inlaid in sahari-zogan with two stylized birds above waves. With a certificate from the NBTHK.
Hazama tsuba are sought after for their sahari inlay technique, using a very hard metal alloy that is rarely used as inlay decoration. This technique had been used by the Kunitomo family, who were gunsmiths during the Momoyama period, in the decoration of gun barrels. During the Edo period, members of the Kunitomo family adapted the technique to decorate tsuba. The two artists best known for this type of tsuba are Teiei and Masataka, who crafted pieces of superior quality for which the Hazama (also known as Kameyama) school is famous to this day.
SIZE 6.2 x 4.9 cm
WEIGHT 66.4 g
Condition: Excellent condition with minor surface wear.
Provenance: Czech private collection.