AF26316 Tsuba: Mumei(Unsigned, Hayashi school) Family stamp

Ordering Number: AF26316

Tsuba: (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Tosogu)
Signature: Mumei(Unsigned, Hayashi 林 school)

Dimensions: 7.06cm x 6.87cm (2.78in x 2.70in)
Thickness of center: 0.55
Weight: 87g

Period: Edo period

Description:
The Hayashi school was a lineage of Higo metalsmiths that traced its origins to Hayashi Matashichi. Hosokawa Tadaoki (Sansai), lord of the Higo domain, was deeply versed in the art of tea, and the sword mountings developed under the influence of his aesthetic sensibilities came to be known as Higo koshirae. Tadaoki retained a number of distinguished metalworkers, including Hayashi Matashichi, Nishigaki Kanshiro, Hirata Hikozo, and Shimizu Jingo.

This piece is a family stamp-design openwork tsuba by the Hayashi school. Despite the complexity of its design, the composition is remarkably well balanced, while the iron displays a lustrous, deep and rich patina. These qualities attest to the fine workmanship of the piece.

In Kiri box
NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate
Aoi Art estimation paper