Higo tsuba with slanting rays of light (tokei) motif / Edo period, mid-17th century.

Accession Number: TSU-0425.2022

Category: Objects

Iron tsuba of round form pierced with the design of slanting rays of light (Christian motif, Jesuit’s IHS symbol) in positive silhouette (ji-sukashi). This design is often called “tokei” [時計], or “clock gear”. Nakaga-ana fitted with copper sekigane. Rounded rim. Unsigned.

Higo school.

Early Edo period, mid-17th century (1632-1650).

Size: 78.3 x 77.0 x 5.3 mm

For information regarding this type of tsuba see the article 'Kirishitan Ikenie Tsuba by Fred Geyer at Kokusai Tosogu Kai; The 2nd International Convention & Exhibition, October 18-23, 2006, pp. 84-91.

School and age attribution thanks to Bruce Kirkpatrick.

.

IHS emblem of the Jesuits

 

Additional Information

Collection Japanese swords & fittings
Type / Purpose Sword hand guard , Tsuba
Period 17 AD , Edo period [江戸時代] (1603–1868) , Mid-17th century
Country Japan
School Higo School
Material Iron
Media/Technique Sukashi
Subject Christianity , Clock gear (tokei) , IHS , Rays of light (shakoh)
Acquisition year 2022

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