Iron tsuba signed "Kaiyō jū Igawa Masatoshi" with NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Tosogu. Kaiyō is a different name used for Aizu domain, which was a domain of Tokugawa Shogunate in edo period. There is a recorded craftsman who used that name active in Aizu however nothing is know about him, other that he was active around 1800. I suspect that this tsuba was made later then 1800. This is a great piece and I do not think it was made by random unknown maker from Shoami School. It reminds my of tsuba made by Aizu Masamitsu, so was this maker someone who studied under Masamitsu? I think there is still a lot to learn about this piece and its maker.
Previous owner of this tsuba thought it was made by Egawa Masatoshi, however it is difficult for me to prove or disprove his theory.
According to NBTHK this tsuba depicts 大楠公, which reads Dainanko. It could mean prince or government official. However Dainanko is also the name used for Kusunoki Masashige. Kamakura period samurai and military commander. In edo period he was highly prized as figure who epitomised loyalty, courage and devotion to the emperor. Dainanko is not his name however it seems to be more polite way of referring to him. Some of his Statues are signed Dainanko instead of his real name.
Size: 85 mm x 82 mm x 4 mm
Made in 19th century.
