Introduction of the Tsuba from Wakeido Title: Kamewari Onkou Tsuba Signature: Gagetsusai Hamano Naochika (Seal) Certification: [N.B.T.H.K.] Tokubetsu Hozon Tousougu Size: Length 72.5mm, Width 68.5mm, Thickness 4mm Period: Late Edo period, around Bunka and Bunsei School: Hamano school Explanation The Hamano school is a prestigious lineage founded by Masazumi, producing notable artisans such as Kizuzui, Naochika, Horie Kousei, and Iwama Masaru. Naochika, known as Seibei, studied under Kizuzui to hone his skills, leaving behind collaborative works with his master. He resided in Kofu, Kai. This work features high relief carving and inlaid color painting on a quarter-inch surface, depicting the scene of Kamewari Onkou. Kamewari Onkou refers to the story of Sima Guang, a politician from the Northern Song dynasty in China, who cleverly saved a friend who had fallen into a water jar during childhood. This tale teaches that a person's life is more precious than a valuable jar, symbolizing the importance of life in temple carvings and festival floats. It is also known as "Sima Onkou's Jar Breaking" or "Breaking the Jar to Save a Child." https://wakeidou.com/pages/705/