Tsuba
“Mo-ko” (Tiger)
Signature; Yurakusai Sekibun, Katsura Bunshi

late Edo period / Shonai, Dewa province
made of Oboro-gin
Size; 81.8mm×77mm×5mm
Special Kiri Box

Hozon certificate by NBTHK
550,0000JPY

The meaning of the unconventional form of the “papaya shape” (木瓜形崩しの変り形) is unclear, but the asymmetry of the design in terms of the heavens, earth, and the sides—particularly the horizontally indented lines—might suggest a thoughtful consideration to prevent rolling when attached to the armor. This is a fascinating construction. The base metal has a deep tone with a hazy silver finish and is thick, while the surface is delicately finished with a fine stone-textured pattern. The intricate carving, typical of the Akabun family, features changes in strength and subtle gradations, vividly depicting a fierce tiger lunging at a dragon lurking in the clouds. The design is placed inside the edge of the rim, with small holes that resemble insect damage, evoking the feel of an old painting. It is believed that the artist was the first-generation Akabun’s child or niece. The collaboration between master and disciple is rare.

猛虎図鐔
銘　遊落斎赤文 かつら文子

江戸時代後期　出羽国庄内
朧銀石目地変り形片切彫鋤彫土手耳

縦 81.8mm　横 77㎜　切羽台厚さ 5mm
特製落込桐箱入

保存刀装具鑑定書
550,000円（消費税込）

Tsuba
“Mo-ko” (Tiger)
Signature; Yurakusai Sekibun, Katsura Bunshi

late Edo period / Shonai, Dewa province
made of Oboro-gin
Size; 81.8mm×77mm×5mm
Special Kiri Box

Hozon certificate by NBTHK
550,0000JPY

　木瓜形崩しの変り形は何を意味するのであろう、天地左右非対称の、特に横の凹んだ構成線は拵に装着して転げない工夫であろうか興味深い造り込み。地金は色合いに深みのある朧銀地で肉厚く、表面は微細な石目地仕上げとし、赤文一門の得意とする強弱変化のある片切彫を濃密に施して雲間に潜む龍に吠えかかる猛虎を活写している。図柄は土手耳の内側にあり、これに虫食いの小穴を施して古い絵画を想わせる作としている。文子は初代赤文の子或いは姪と考えられている。師弟の合作は珍しい。