Introduction of Tsuba from Wakeido

Item Number: E380707

Title: Tsuki ni Hototogisu zu Tsuba

Signature: Tokuoki (Shinoyama Tokuoki)

Certification: N.B.T.H.K. Tokubetsu Hozon Tousougu

Dimensions: Length 75.8mm, Width 69.7mm, Thickness 2.8mm

Period: Late Edo

School: Ohtsuki school

Description
The Ohtsuki school represents the Kyoto metalworkers and is founded by Ohtsuki Mitsukō, producing notable artisans such as Hidekō, Ōki, Hidekuni, Tokuoki, and Gessan.
Shinoyama Tokuoki entered the school of Kawahara Hayashi Hidekuni, and in the second year of the Bunkyū era, he was commissioned by the House of Tokugawa to engrave the fittings of the shogun's sword. Due to his achievements, he was granted the title of Ōsumi Daijō, and the following year, in the third year of Bunkyū, he was awarded the title of Ikkyōsai for engraving the fittings of a short sword for Emperor Kōmei. He is a distinguished craftsman representing the Ohtsuki school.
The tsuba depicting the cuckoo in the moon exhibits a refined use of space, showcasing remarkable inlay work with a design of hidden clouds, which is truly elegant.