A large copper tsuba
Mito School, late 19th century
Of rounded octagonal form with raised rim, engraved in katakiri and kebori with Tekkai Sennin seated on a rock beneath a withered branch and blowing out his soul, the reverse engraved with a stream, details in silver and pale gold honzogan, signed Hoshuso Shomin with inlaid gold kao.
9.2cm (3 5/8in).
FOOTNOTES
大鐔　鉄拐仙人　銘「芳州叟　勝珉（花押）」　19世紀後期

Provenance: Jahss collection, New York, purchased in 1973.

Unno Shomin (1844-1915) studied under his uncle Unno Yoshimori and Hagiya Katsuhira. As well as sword fittings, he also made decorative wares which were much sought after by wealthy patrons during the Meiji period. He was awarded the honour of being made an Imperial artist in 1896 and taught many pupils.