A sentoku kinko tsuba
By Tanabe Tomomasa, dated 1861
Of rounded rectangular form with shibuichi raised mimi, inlaid with a covered work boat moored among reeds while birds fly overhead, the reverse with flying birds over reeds, in silver and shakudo takazogan with slight gold details, signed and dated Tanabe Tomomasa with kao, Bunkyu gen kanoto-tori toshi (1861); with storage box. 7.6cm (3in). (2).
FOOTNOTES
For the maker, see Robert Haynes, The Index of Japanese Sword Fittings and Associated Artists, Ellwangen, Germany, 2001, no.H09950. Tanabe was a student of Haruaki and was considered the third master of the Tanabe Family of sword-fitting makers.