| The Hōan school was founded by the first-generation Hōan, who was originally from Kiyosu in Owari Province. As a retainer craftsman of the Asano family, he followed his lord through successive transfers, moving first to Kai Province (1593–1600), then to Kii Province (1600–1619), and finally to Hiroshima in Aki Province in 1619. The Hōan lineage remained active there until the Meiji period, spanning eleven generations. The main line traditionally used the name Hisatsugu. Based on its workmanship and signature style, this tsuba is considered a work of Hōan Hisatsugu from the mid-Edo period. The design depicts autumn foliage at Tatsuta, a celebrated classical theme associated with the brilliant colors of maple leaves. The composition is rendered in bold nikubori ji-sukashi openwork, demonstrating the characteristic strength and elegance of the Hōan school. This signed example is illustrated in Tōsō Kodōgu Meiji Taikei II edited by Takeshi Wakayama, making it a documented and valuable work. Passed NBTHK Hozon Tōsōgu shinsa in 2013. |
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