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Ko-Tosho & Ko - Katchushi (Historic Tsuba)
The name means “ old sword-smith “ and most of these sword guards fit the appellation in that they date from an early period( Kamakura to early Muromachi periods ) and were produced by makers of swords, who are said to produced blades, sword guards (tsuba ) and blade sockets (habaki ) as well they were generally hammered thin and ornamented with one or two simple designs pierced in negative silhouette.
Ko - Katchushi Tsuba :
These tsuba were produced at around the same time as the Ko - Tosho tsuba, Ko - Katchushi open work tsuba are more elaborately ornamented and have a variety of raised outer rims including beveled raised, rounded raised and squared raised forms. All of this evidence points to armourers and helmets the producers of tsuba named Ko - Katchushi.
KO -TOSHO - FAN MOTIF TSUBA
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The colour and depth of iron patina is keeping with very early Ko - Tosho work for a Tachi. A Tsuba when worn on a Sword should always have the most decoration showing on the front side and to be high right side.It was to be observed by the person coming towards you. While this doesn't always hold true due to later addition's, preference or if worn or carried by a servant this tsuba is true to the custom. The superior two fans are at the top right side with the subordinate one fan left and closer to the mimi ( rim). If the tsuba was designed it would place the superior design in a position neither to be observed nor appreciated by the oncoming person. In addition, sword smiths were also great artisans and appreciating every day surroundings applied what they saw, In this Ko- Tosho tsuba we find this very innate ability in the placement of the fans showing how they would be held in hand when utilised. Orientals will always hold the fan facing left or downward as they fan themselves. the depiction, while simple shows great attention to details by a Master.
Setsumei : (Explanation)
Ko-Tosho Tsuba from the early Muromachi period (1336-1573)
Sukashi design of three fans.
Height : 8.8 cm
Width : 8.7 cm
Rim thickness : 2 mm (There is (Tekkotsu, Iron bones)) on the rim and nakago ana rim, a prized aesthetic feature and a sign of excellent Iron and masterful hand - forging.
Nakago ana inside rim thickness : 3 mm
NBTHK Hozon Certificate attesting it is worthy of preservation and authentic.
This Historic Tsuba is Private Collection
Ko - Katchushi Tetsu Tsuba
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Setsumei : (Explanation)
Ko Katchushi Iron Tsuba from the early Muromachi Period (1336-1673)
Sukashi Design Cherry Blossom ( sakura)
Early Muromachi Period (Eikyo era 1429 - 1441)
Height : 84.5mm
Width : 84mm
Rim Thickness 7.5 mm, High rounded rim with Tekkotsu (iron bones) a prized aesthetic feature, a sign of excellent Iron and masterful hand - forging.
Nakago Ana inside rim thickness : 2.8 mm
NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Extraordinarily Worthy of Preservation Certificate
The delicate subject, careful finish and refined iron establishes this Tsuba as a work of perfection.The design projects tranquility.
From the Masayuki Sasano collection. Pictured in his Silver Book page 44, "Japanese Sword Guards Masterpieces from the Sasano collection."
This Historic Tsuba is Private Collection
Ko - Katchushi Tetsu Tsuba
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Setsumei : (Explanation)
Ko-Katchushi Iron Tsuba from the Nanbokucho Period (1333 - 1392)
Design : Yuki- Kasa (Woven Hat on the bottom of the Tsuba and Snow flake at the top right)
Height : 8.8mm
Width : 8.8mm
Rim : 3mm (There is Tekkotsu (iron bones) on the rim, a prized aesthetic feature, a sign of excellent Iron and masterful hand - forging )
Nakago Ana inside rim thickness 2mm
NBTHK Hozon Certificate stating that this Tsuba is authentic and worthy of preservation.
This Historic Tsuba is Private Collection
Ko Katchushi Tetsu Tsuba
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Setsumei : (Explanation)
Ko Katchushi Iron Tsuba from the Nanbokucho Period (1333-1392 )
Design of Auspicious Clouds.
Height : 9cm.
Width : 9cm
Rim : 3mm
Nakago Ana inside Rim : 2mm (There is Tekkotsu (iron bones) on the rim, a prized aesthetic feature, a sign of good iron and masterful - hand forging).
NBTHK Hozon Certificate stating that this Tsuba is authentic and worthy of preservation.
This Historic Tsuba is Private Collection
MEITO KO TOSHO TSUBA
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 TSUBA TAIKAN written in 1935 by Noburo Kawaguchi ( This rare book is where this Ko Tosho Tsuba is published on page 3 ). |
MEITO KO TOSHO TSUBA
A Masterpiece Ko Tosho Tsuba from the early Nambokucho Era (687 years ago ) with great Iron colour and texture published in Tsuba Taikan 1935. The time of constant strife that lasted from 1336 to 1392 is known as the Nambokucho period ( Period of Southern and Northern Courts ). The Kamakura and Nambokucho eras were remarkable for the shift that occurred in the Japanese aesthetic.
Only the Samurai were permitted to fish. So, the Samurai who enjoyed Ayu fishing would take sewing needles and bend them themselves, and make their own flies by hand. "Ayu fishing may be done with lures or with a live decoy Ayu. As Ayu fish are very territorial, they are likely to attack the live decoy fish used as bait.” Ayu fishing is still very popular in Japan now and the fisherman need to have good technical experience to catch Ayu, it is also served grilled and is an extremely delicious fish. Ayu is caught in crystal clear waters.
This is an outstanding Ko Tosho Tsuba in every aspect including the design and is a one off. Amongst Ko-Tosho Tsuba it presents as a Meito.
Dimensions : 9.5 cm x 9.5 cm
NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certification
This Historic Tsuba is Private Collection