Kyoto Tsuba
LS013
A very nice Kyoto tsuba done in the popular style of Hikonebori, after Soten. 7.136 cm x 6.888 cm x 4.96 mm. Excellent condition. Carved figures with takazogan. The one face is red copper, the other either shakudo or well patented silver. The popularity of Soten tosogu led to many works in the Hikonebori style of Soten. The popularity was such, that the Kii This depicts Daimyo required all of his 20,000 retainers to wear Soten tosogu. The tell is that the iron in Soten tsuba is brown, while those of Kyoto is black.
This depicts Yoshitsune and Musashibo Benkei at the Gojo bridge. Benkei 1155 - 1189 was a warrior monk noted for his great strength. Benkei had posted himself on the bridge, and disarmed every swordsman who passed. After collecting 999 swords, he was defeated in a duel with Minamoto Yoshitsune, after which he became Yoshitsune's retainer. Yoshitsune is credited with many successes in the Gempei war against the Taira, especially in the final battle of Dan no Ura. However, being too successful had its downside. Yoshitsune's brother, Yoritomo, fearing his popularity and successes threatened him, turned against Yoshitsune. This ended two years later at Koromogawa no Tate Castle, where Yoshitsune committed seppuku, while Benkei blocked the advancing forces from crossing the bridge to the castle.
$800