YANAGAWA NAOMASA (1692-1757)
A Shakudō Tsuba
Edo period (1615-1868), 18th century
Rounded rectangular, with an applied gold nekogaki (striated) rim, the migakiji (polished ground) in bold katagiribori (chiseling with thick and thin lines emulating brush painting), on one side a shishi (Chinese mythical lion) beneath a pine tree, on the other a pine tree and river, signed Yanagawa Naomasa with a kao (cursive monogram); with a Tokubetsu Hozon Tōsōgu (Sword Fitting Especially Worthy of Preservation) certificate # 226093 issued by the Nihon Bijutsu Tōken Hozon Kyōkai (Society for the Preservation of the Japanese Art Sword) dated October 18, 2001, and with a wood storage box and silk brocade wrapper (3)
2 7/8 x 2 3/4in (7.4 x 7cm)