| On a vertically oval iron ground, a variety of motifs—including wild geese, a net, an ichime-gasa hat, a boat and waves, a weight, and an abacus pattern—are skillfully combined in openwork, forming an intriguing design of assorted objects whose underlying meaning remains elusive. The individual motifs are cleverly interconnected to form a single harmonious tsuba. Perhaps there is a common theme derived from a Noh play or classical Japanese literature hidden within the design, inviting the imagination to wander. Traces of gold nunome-zogan arabesque decoration remain on the rim. Judging from its workmanship, this tsuba is considered to be a work of the Higo school. |
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