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| TSUBA T-15 "YOKOYA SOYO" Mei: Soyo with Kao 2.875" (7.30cm) x 2.75" (6.98cm) x 0.156" (0.397cm) This is a magnificent Tsuba I am listing which was property of the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art. This tsuba is a fine example of Kashu Kinko work which descended from the Goto line of engravers. The plate is thick migaki-ji shibuichi with the tree being inlaid shakudo. The carving is done in katte kiri bori or sunken relief and is highlighted with gold. "Yokoya Soyo" was a descendent of Goto Yujo, the first mainline Goto Master who is credited with being the progenitor of metal engravers. An individual Ha branched from Goto Kenjo (seventh mainline Goto Master), Teijo and Etsujo and was known as "Kashu Kinko". When the line reached Injo, third son of Kenjo it branched and led to "Yokoya Soyo". His son was the famous Yokoya "Somin". Their ha or line eventually produced many famous artists such as "Omori Teruhide", "Sano Naomasa", "Kato Naotsune", and "Ishiguro Masatsune", as well as many others. The motif depicts "Rosei", sleeping beneath a tree on the obverse. The reverse side depicts "Rosei's" Dream. The story of Rosei goes something like this. After learning the Chinese emperor was in need of councilors, Rosei decided to travel to the capital in hopes of being accepted by the Emperor. Rosei was not a member of the upper class and therefore was traveling alone. Along the way Rosei was constantly grumbling about his poverty and lack of protectors. Near Kanton, he met the Rishi, "Lu Kung". Reshi's are of course "Sennin" or immortals. Lu Kung hearing Rosei's grumbling and complaining gave him a pillow which was said to have magical powers. Later that evening while waiting for his millet to cook, Rosei rested himself upon the pillow. Falling asleep he dreamed of the Emperor sending a procession of retainers with a court palanquin to get him (shown on obverse). In his dream he rose to great power, marrying one of the emperors daughters and eventually succeeding the emperor. While serving as emperor his three year old son fell into a garden fountain and drown. Rosei's cries startled him awake and he realized that the Rishi's pillow had given him the dream as a warning of the transitory nature of earthly possessions. Instead of continuing on his trip, he returned home to retire in meditation. A genuine Museum piece. $5500 USD
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