SOTEN TSUBA

Signed: Koshu Hikone Ju Soheishi Nyudo Soten Sei

I cannot say enough good things about this outstanding tsuba.  It is without a doubt one of the nicest Soten tsuba I have owned in the 25+ years that I have been involved in this hobby. The condition is absolutely pristine.  There is no corrosion or wear to be found. There is no loss of inlay whatsoever.  The patina of the iron is perfect. The mimi or rim doesn’t have a scratch or blemish anywhere.  

It is amazing how well this tsuba has been cared for over the over the last few centuries.  It literally looks as though it could have been made yesterday.

Tsuba depicts the legend of Koremochi, also known as Yogo no Shogun who went one day to Taka-O-San mountain in Shinano to see the maple trees.  He met there a party of young girls, and as they were picnicking, not only did he accept their invitation to join them, but he soon became intoxicated.  He was awakened from his drunken slumber by a strange noise and saw above him a huge Oni coming to devour him, but he killed it with his sword. (Maple picnic).

These picnics to view the Maples are known as Momijigari (maple picnic) and the Noh play Momijigari is based on this legend.

Dimensions: 2.875″ (7.30cm) x 2.875″ x 0.1875″ (0.47625cm)

Ana: 1″ (2.54cm) x 0.25″ (0.625cm)

NBTHK Hozon paper.

$2500 plus S/H 

If you are interested in owning this tsuba, contact me either through the website or directly at Yakiba.com@gmail.com