Kyō-sukashi tsuba Yatsuhashi and wild geese 17th Century

Kyō-sukashi tsuba

Yatsuhashi and wild geese

Mumei, Edo Period, 17th Century

Iron, 8.3 x 8.2 x 0.5 cm

NBTHK Hozon Tōsogu

Specifications: Marugata tetsu–ji, ji–sukashi, kebori, marumimi

Elegant iron tsuba with positive openwork yatsuhashi design, with the wooden eight-planked bridge on top, two large irises on the sides and geese on top. 

Yatsuhashi are wooden bridges that are staggered or set at angles, often seen in Japanese gardens. The theme derives from the 10th century Ise Monogatari tale: exiled from Kyoto after an affair with a high-ranking court lady, the story’s protagonist stops at Yatsuhashi, a place where a stream branches into eight channels, each with its own bridge. The sight of irises prompts him to compose a nostalgic love poem.

Price band: within 5,000€

INVENTORY NR: tsu-1632

Tsuba for sale. Price on application.