TSUGUHIDE, OMI no KAMI

TSUBA #1

IRON MOKUME TOKUBETSU HOZON

Omote: Omi no Kami Tsuguhide, Motte Namban Tetsu

Ura: Oite Bushu Edo Saku, Kansai Go Toshi

One of three fine Mokume Tsuba I own made by the sword smith, Omi (no) Kami Tsuguhide. Tsuguhide worked around Anei era or 1772, this particular piece being date 1793. He studied under the fourth generation Tsuguhira and died in 1804. The beautiful Mokume or woodlike grain resulting from the folding of the metal can be seen clearly in the surface and Tekkotsu in the mimi. The edges are crisp and well formed. It is signed with his full signature, along with date, location and material used ie; Namban Tetsu or foreign iron. The condition of this tsuba is excellent and the patina is perfect.