Japanese Shibuichi Tsuba depicting Rakan Hattara Sonja by Iwama Masayoshi
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
early 19th century, Edo period
This fine Japanese tsuba, or sword guard, dates to the early 19th century Edo period. Crafted by the master Iwama Katsuryuken Masayoshi, it features a kakumarugata form with a slightly raised mimi (rim).
The guard is constructed from shibuichi with a polished migakiji ground. The obverse is decorated with elaborate takabori carving and fine gold takazogan inlay, depicting the Buddhist arhat Hattara Sonja accompanied by his familiar tiger and holding his staff. The reverse side features a serene waterfall scene. The piece includes one kozuka hitsu ana and a nakago ana fitted with suaka sekigane. Measuring 6.4 cm in height and 5.6 cm in length, with a mimi width of 0.5 cm and a seppa-dai width of 0.4 cm, the tsuba has a total weight of 117.5 grams.
The artist's signature, "Katsuryuken Masayoshi," is inscribed on one side. This refined piece exemplifies the artistry of the Hamano school tradition, showcasing meticulous metalwork and inlay techniques typical of high-quality Japanese sword fittings.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Height
- 6.4 cm
- Length
- 5.6 cm
- Weight
- 117.5 g
- Material
- shibuichi, gold, suaka
- Mimi width
- 0.5 cm
- Seppa dai width
- 0.4 cm
Technical characteristics
- Form
- kakumarugata
- Details
- suaka sekigane in nakago ana
- Openings
- one kozuka hitsu ana, one nakago ana
Design
- Obverse
- Hattara Sonja with staff and tiger in takabori and gold takazogan
- Reverse
- waterfall scene
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
- Maker named in listing
- Iwama Katsuryuken Masayoshi
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.