An iron tsuba
Attributed to Haruaki Hogen (1787-1857), Edo period (1615-1868), 19th century
Almost circular with slightly raised rim, carved in relief and inlaid in gold, on one side a carp swimming among waterweed in a fast-flowing river with a water boatman above, on the other side three turtles in the river; signed Haruaki Hogen with gold-inlaid square seal Haru. 8.4cm (3¼in). (2).
FOOTNOTES
Provenance: Edward Gilbertson collection.
McNair Scott collection.
G. F. Hearn collection.
Edward Wrangham collection, sold in these rooms, 9 November 2010, lot 65.

Accompanied by an informal certificate signed by Dr Kazutaro Torigoe dated September 1965, stating the tsuba to be the genuine work of Haruaki.

For Haruaki (Kono Haruaki, also known as Haruaki or Shunmei Hogen), see Robert E. Haynes, The Index of Japanese Sword Fittings and Associated Artists, Ellwangen, Germany, Nihon Art Publishers, 2001, no.H 0076065. Another example, similar to the present lot but with only turtles in the design and pierced with openings for kozuka (scabbard-mounted knife) and kogai (scabbard-mounted skewer), is in the Baur collection; see B. W. Robinson, The Baur Collection: Japanese Sword-Fittings and Associated Metalwork, Geneva, Collections Baur, 1980, cat. no. D.1312.