Wakizashi tsuka with jabara ito maki. This is a modern made tsuka with Edo Period fittings. Tsuka maki is a bit loose, therefore this tsuka should be handled with care.
Fuchi and kashira are made of shibuichi. Fuchi is signed "Kikuchi Tsunemitsu" with Kao. Signature is almost identical to example from "Toso Kodogu Meiji Taikei" by Wakayama. Workmanship is also very similar. That is why I would say that signature is authentic. I am not sure if fuchi and kashira are from an original set. They are made from the same type of shibuichi and motif corresponds. There are also many similarities in techniques applied. However there are too many differences to claim that they were made by the same person. I would like to think that they were made in collaboration by two different artists from the same School. However there is no solid proof of that.
Kikuchi Tsunemitsu was active around 1775-1800. He was one of the most outstanding students of Kikuchi Tsunekatsu, founder of Kikuchi School. Some sources list him as the second generation Kikuchi School master, however other give this tittle to Kikuchi Tsuneoki. It is also not exactly clear if there were two generations of Kikuchi Tsunekatsu, or was there just one artist by this name.
Fuchikashira decorated with motif of Three Kingdoms.
Fuchikashira made of shibuichi with silver, shakudo and copper inlay. There is also gold iroe.
Menuki made of shakudo with gold iroe.
Size:
Length: 18,5 cm
Fuchi: 38 mm x 23 mm x 13 mm
Fuchi hole: 25 mm x 7 mm
Nakago hole: 13,3 cm
From top of the fuchi to center of mekugi hole: 51 mm
