Iron tsuba of mokko form with slanting rays of light (shakoh) Christian motif (Jesuit’s IHS symbol) in openwork (sukashi). Traditional description of this kind of design is called “tokei”, or “clock gear”.

Owari school.

Edo period.

Size: 83.4 x 83.1 x 4.4 mm

NTHK certified KANTEISHO (“Important Work”).  In a custom wooden box.

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