A shakudo tsuba
By Taizan Motozane, Mito, 19th century
Of oval form, bearing a fine nanako ground, inlaid with three performing monkeys, one dancing, holding a gohei (Shinto priest’s wand), another at its side, while the third is shown seated on the reverse, in gold, silver, copper and shakudo takazogan; signed Sekijoken Taizan Motozane with kao. 7.3cm (2 7/8in).
FOOTNOTES
鍔　曲芸猿　銘「赤城軒泰山元孚 （花押）」　19世紀

There were four generations of sword-fitting makers of the name and it is difficult to distinguish between them. The first was born in 1741 and died in 1830 while the last died in 1916. For a discussion of all four makers, see Robert Haynes, The Index of Japanese Sword Fittings and Associated Artists, Ellwangen, Germany, 2001, nos.H06004-H06007.