Hizen Katsutsune
Katchushi Daisho Tsuba

NBTHK Hozon

Dai: Mei: "Hishu ju Katsutsune saku"
Diameter: 85mm x 80mm
Thickness: 4mm

Sho: Mei: "Katsutsune saku"
Diameter: 80mm x 75mm
Thickness: 4mm

Katsutsune was a Armor maker of the Miyata school. The Miyata smiths worked in Saga of Hizen province and were retained by the Nambashina lord in the same manner as the Hizen Tadayoshi school of sword makers. Katsutsune's work dates to the later 1700s and he passed away circa 1800. He is listed in Haynes as reference # H 02924.0, listed in the Katchushi meikan and also listed in the NTHK's research on Hizen Kinko (see photo below). The theme is that of floral patterns, most likely derived from a family mon. This daisho is rather precious in several regards. Firstly, this is an original diasho. Both tsuba are signed by Katsutsune and were made as set. (This is not a daisho assembled from similar tsubas of different age/origin) The ana of each tsuba shows no fitting or sekigane which indicates that these were never mounted. For either reasons of gifting or donation from centuries ago, these remain in original condition. The plate and overall composition of these offer many points of appreciation. Of note is the carefully formed mimi, featuring a perfectly carved central band, reaching all the way around each tsuba (see close up below) as well as the meticulous craving away of the ji to leave a crisp, raised rim on each side. These are accompanied by a NBTHK hozon paper and a storage box. Papered, signed daisho tsuba, especially in this condition, are quite rare. This pleasing and finely crafted set offers an exciting opportunity.