Yagyu Tsuba
TS0293
A classic Yagyu tsuba of Saihai (battle fans) design, 6.38 cm x 5.98 cm x 5.4 mm. The sukashi is a bit rounded, and the slightly grey metal has a sandy texture without appearing rough. The layering is very visible in the rim. Note the estimate from the 2005 Sotheby auction of The Alan Harvie Collection.
Yagyu tsuba are defined by their orgin rather than any particular lineage of smiths. Most of the smiths were from the Owari region. The Yagyu Shinkage Ryu was founded during the later Muromachi by Yagyu Sekishusai Muneyoshi. He and his descendants were closely associated with the Tokugawa. Yagyu Renyasai Yoshikane, was a retainer to the Owari Tokugawa, and is credited with creating the original tsuba designs and the Yagyu style koshirae. Ref. Yagyu Tsuba American Branch of the NBTHK August 20, 2005 by Jim Gilbert. Boxed
From 2005 Sotheby Catalog Of The Alan Harvie Sale
From The Yagyu Design Book