AS21286-Tsuba: Mumei(Hamano school)

Tsuba:(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Paper)
Mei (signature) : Mumei(Hamano school)

Length: 6.84cm x 6.26cm(2.69inches x 2.46inches)
Thickness of rim:0.33cm(0.12inches)
Jidai(era):Edo period

Special feature:Tatemaru shaped polished Shibuichi Tsuba, pine trees and Hotei(Budai:semi-historical Chinese monk who is often identified with and venerated as Maitreya Buddha in Chan Buddhism.) playing with a chinese child, and the big bag for Fuse(often as Ofuse, gifts or money for monks from the people who are religious) are engraved with gold and silver color. The rim is Kakumimi-Koniku.

Hamano school is a metalsmith school that was founded by Hamano Shozui(Masayuki), who was originally an apprentice of Nara Toshinaga. His early works had a relatively subtle style under the influence of Nara school, but gradually his style changed into a dramatic way using techniques as Otaka-Nikubori and engraving large patterns, and that characteristic founded his school. Hamano school lasted until the 5th generation and produced expert smiths such as 2nd generation Noriyuki.

From Aoi Art: The characteristic of Hamano school; bold engraving, strengthens the presence of Hotei(Budai) and the playing kid as if they were alive and stood in front of us. Not only because Hotei is worshiped as an incarnation of Miroku Bosatsu in China, but also because he is popular as a member of Seven Gods of Good Fortune in Japan, this is a Tsuba of a good omen, we can say. Dark elegant color unique to the Shibuichi plate enhances the beauty of the inlayed painting, and we strongly recommend this Tsuba for you.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Paper
AOI estimation paper
In Kiri box.