Tsuba depicting two trees in the mid-winter, Shōnai school

Edo Period, 19th century

Shōnai school

Mokkogata (lobed), 68 x 63 mm

Thickness: 3.7 mm

NBTHK Hozon Tōsogu

Pure copper (suaka) tsuba finely carved in kibori style with a cherry tree on one side and a bamboo tree on the reverse. The surface is hammered for a wabi-sabi finish. The style reminds of Goto Ichijo.

Turned-up rims (uchikaeshi mimi).

The Shonai branch of the Shoami family school was established by Shoami Matahachiro, a servant of the Sakai family, in 1644. The Shonai province is located in the northernmost portion of Japan's main island. The relative isolation from the rest of the country during the Edo period enabled for a more introspective and graceful style to develop.

The tsuba comes with a Hozon Tōsogu certificate (fitting worth of preservation) issued by Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai.