Introduction to a Tsuba from Wakeido

Title Kasane kine sukashi Tsuba

Signature Unidentified (Mumei) Kanayama

Certification [N.B.T.H.K.] Tokubetsu Hozon Tousougu

Size Length 70mm Width 70mm Thickness 4.5mm

Period Momoyama period

School Kanayama

Description
The accepted view is that Kanayama tsuba were made around Owari, though some suggest production spanned from Mino into Owari.
Their history goes back as far as the mid-Muromachi period, with a heyday during the Sengoku era.
The style is somewhat small; the iron ground takes on a pleasing dark tone. The rim sometimes shows pronounced iron ridges and sometimes more gentle ones. Robust and full of character, they have a devoted following.
This piece displays fine iron character and attractive rim ridging, making it an excellent example that fully conveys the charm of Kanayama tsuba.