Koike Yoshiro Tsuba

Reference Number	TU-10991
Title	[ Flower Emblem & Algae ] by Koike Yoshiro, NBTHK Kanteisho
Time	The Momoyama period (1573-1603)
Inscription	No Inscription
L x W x H	7.4 x 7.4 x 0.4 cm
Nakago Hole	2.5 x 0.6 cm
Weight	111 g
Material	Tetsu (iron)
Box	Wooden Box
Certificate	Hozon Tosogu Kanteisho issued by NBTHK on Dec 22 of 2011
Description	This tsuba was certainly produced by Koike Yoshiro, the founder of the Yoshiro-Shiki Shinchu-Zogan Tsuba. It is proved by the certificate issued by Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai. If another similar sword guard is applied for their appraisal, if the judges of NBTHK do not identify it as an artwork by Koike Yoshiro himself, it will never be written "Koike Yoshiro" on the certificate. However, the certificate of this tsuba does ! So, this tsuba is very precious one. Emblems of flowers and algae are expressed in small openwork, carving and the Hira-Zogan inlay methods with brass. Its cucumference is outlined in the Maru-Mimi shape. The Kozuka-Bitsu and Kogai-Bitsu Holes are covered with brass plates (=Fukurin). The surfaces are polished well (=Migaki-Ji). It is slightly rusty, though, the color of this tsuba is very tasteful as it is forged very well. Some parts of the brass inlay are peeled off. Although, this is really precious tsuba that made in the Muromachi period.
Price	USD 2480

Features
	This tsuba is made from iron. The color is very tasteful as it is forged very well.
	The surfaces are polished well (=Migaki-Ji).
	Its shape is round.
	The motifs are also expressed in the Shinchu-Gankin and Hira-Zogan inlay methods with brass (alloy of copper and zinc).
	The family crests are expressed in small openwork.