AF26245 Tsuba: Mumei(unsigned)(Bushu Masanaga)(NBTHK Hozon Tosogu)

Ordering Number: AF26245

Tsuba:(NBTHK Hozon Tosogu)
Inscription: Mumei(unsigned)(Bushu Masanaga 武州正長)

Dimensions: 7.57 cm × 6.97 cm (2.98 in × 2.74 in)
Thickness of center: 0.44 cm (0.17 in)
Weight: 125 g

Era: mid Edo period, circa 18th century
Features: An oval-shaped tsuba of shakudō nanako ground, carved in high relief with a design of cherry blossoms, and the pistils are expressed with dot inlay. Bushū Masanaga (Itō Masanaga) was a metalsmith active in the mid-Edo period. In 1710 he saw Shogun Ienobu and entered his service. The design is rendered with notable realism and demonstrates a high level of craftsmanship.　Sword fittings decorated with cherry blossom motifs are relatively uncommon when compared to those featuring plum blossoms or chrysanthemums.

In Kiri box
NBTHK Hozon Certificate
Aoi Art estimation paper