Japan, Shonai school, 18th-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

Of mokkogata shape, with a kozuka and kogai hitsu-ana, copper sekigane, worked in shakudo, gold, and shibuichi takazogan depicting a Hannya mask with gold tassels beneath cherry blossoms and a bell striker on the reverse, alluding to the Noh play Dojoji.

HEIGHT 9.7 cm, LENGTH 9.2 cm
WEIGHT 218 g

Condition: Very good condition with typical wear.

In the tragic Noh play, Kiyohime fell in love with a Buddhist monk named Anchin but was rejected. In despair she pursues the monk and transforms herself into a Hannya-like demon with a snake body and horned head. The pursued Anchin hides under a temple bell. When she discovers him there, she wraps her snake body around the bell and the glow of her passion melts the metal and burns the monk hiding in the bell.

Auction comparison:
Compare a closely related Shonai school iron tsuba with a Hannya mask and maple leaves, alluding to the Noh play Momijigari, unsigned, dated 18th century, at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 9 November 2017, London, lot 77 (estimated at GBP 2,000-2,500).