Yoshioka school shibuichi tsuba signed Shigenao kao. Shigenao was a member of the Yoshioka family and worked in Edo in the 18th century. The Yoshioka family were adopted as official craftsmen for the Tokugawa Shogunate by Tokugawa Ieyasu. A collaborative work with Shigemasa dated 1729 is known to exist ref Haynes H08399. The style and subject of this tsuba suggest this craftsman was also a member of the Yokoya school of which in date he would have been a contemporary of Somin 1. Subject katakiribori Shishi looking down from the branches of a tree with peonies at the base. The peony is an emblem of regal power and the composition on this tsuba is known as “Botan ni Kara – Shishi zu”. Nicely engraved and seemingly a rare artist.
Early 18th century size 6.9cmx 6.7cm.