Rare Goto Ichijo tsuba

Goto Ichijo was the one of the most famous kinko makers of the Edo period and is considered along with Tanaka Kiyotoshi and Kanno Natsuo as the three best kinko-shi. Studying the workmanship on this tsuba, one is struck by the simplicity of the piece. Everything on the tsuba “fits” the composition and is done with much skill and adroitness equal to that of the finest flower arrangement. The shibuichi is done in flawless migaki ji with slightly flowing raised rim. The gold iroe plant work and takabori butterfly are natural and not stiff. Notice the use excellent use of mixed metals such as the tiniest use of shakudo for one of the stems of the plant. The river is done with a special inlay that reflects like mother of pearl and is impossible to photograph the iridescence shining off of it when you hold the tsuba in hand. Signed Goto Houkyo Ichijo with custom box and NBTHK certification. Real tsuba by top master kinko-shi are almost impossible to find and in looking at this piece, it is easy to see why Goto Ichijo was so highly esteemed.

1800’s

Signed – Goto Houkyo Ichijo (Kao) NBTHK Hozon

6.64 cm top – bottom, 5.96 cm side to side, 3.8 mm thickness at seppadai