説明

Iron tsuba signed "Yamashiro Rakuto" with NBTHK Hozon Tosogu. Yamashiro was a name of the province in Japan that Kyoto was a part of. Rakuto was a name of the district in Kyoto. Therefore signature on this tsuba refers only to the place, not a particular maker. However there exists almost identical tsuba signed "Bairyūken Kiyotatsu". In normal circumstances it might not be enough to conclude that this tsuba was also his work. In this case the design and craftsmanship are unique and identical, signature style is exactly the same and Kiyotatsu himself is well know for making many identical pieces of his works. This is why I am rather confident that this tsuba was made by Bairyūken Kiyotatsu. It seems that his works were really appreciated in the west as they can be found in many first rate museums. For example: Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Find Arts in Boston and Walters Art Museum. According to Haynes index he was active around 1750-1800. However based on this tsuba I think It might be closer to 1850. Decorated with multiple fabric patterns made in nunome zogan with two types of gold. Size: 75 mm x 70 mm This tsuba is thinner at seppa dai and gets thicker towards the rim. In custom made kiri box