Kyoto Kenjo Tsuba
TS0384
An Omi Hakkei zu (eight scenic sights of Omi) tsuba signed, Ryu with a han. 7.9 cm x 7.44 cm x 3.8 mm. Excellent and intact gold and silver nunome, gilt edge, shakudo sekigane. Excellent condition and size. NBTHK Hozon kanteisho specifying an attribution to Kyo Kenjo. In a custom fitted box. The Index of Japanese Sword Fittings and Associated Artists, Robert Haynes, H.03358. Kiyotatsu, art name Bairyuken, 1750 -1800. Although his family name is unknown, his works are not. They were popular during late Edo as gifts from one high official to another. There are examples in the Hawkshaw catalog, p. 122, #1513; Boston Museum of Fine Arts; Ogawa catalog, p. 204, #144; Berhens catalog fascicule II, p. 57, #1557. Robert Haynes feels that there is an association with the Komai metal workers, but the nature of the association is unclear.
There is a similar example, lacking the sukashi, from the Kazuhiko Inada collection illustrated in the Kokusai Tosogu Kai, 2005 International Convention and Exhibition catalog, page 19. It is also the impressed illustration on the back cover. $10,500
