T-130 Tanaka Kiyotoshi Tsuba

Excellent tsuba by the master of the Tanaka School, Tanaka Kiyotoshi.

Kiyotoshi was the founder of the Toryusai School during the later part of the Edo period and was the creator of one of the top three famous schools (the Ichijo and Natsuo Schools being the other two) of that era. The quality and work from some students of the Tanaka school was actually higher than some masters of other schools. Because the Tanaka School catered mostly to the merchant class, the subjects are more interesting and has a design and appeal that is quite enjoyable for modern day collectors. The work is usually outstanding and very very detailed. The iron is unparalleled, and has a special texture known as “Tanaka tetsu”, which must be seen in hand to understand its particular quality. Design of plovers and fishnets is skillfully done and well represented; the feeling of which is not cramped and skillfully placved even though it done in such a small space. It is rare for a masterpiece of this level to be offered to the public.

Time period – 1800’s

Signed – Ikkashi / Juo (Kao) NBTHK Hozon

Top – bottom 6.6 cm / side – side 6.15 cm

HOLD