{"product_id":"tsuba-bushu-school-probably-yanagawa-school","title":"Tsuba – Bushū School (probably Yanagawa School) - Oimatsune","description":"\u003cp data-end=\"1416\" data-start=\"888\"\u003eThis elegant Bushū tsuba depicts the weathered trunk and sweeping branches of an ancient pine tree (\u003cstrong data-end=\"997\" data-start=\"988\"\u003ematsu\u003c\/strong\u003e) rendered in deep relief carving and openwork. The sculptural treatment of the bark, densely layered pine needles and lively branching structure create remarkable depth while preserving the airy balance characteristic of the finest Bushū iron guards. Small scattered applications of gold suggest droplets of dew or highlights catching the light, lending quiet refinement without distracting from the rich iron surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1788\" data-start=\"1418\"\u003eAlthough attributed simply to the Bushū school by the NBTHK, the style closely recalls the work of the \u003cstrong data-end=\"1541\" data-start=\"1521\"\u003eYanagawa lineage\u003c\/strong\u003e, whose artists were celebrated for combining pictorial carving with sophisticated iron craftsmanship. The carefully modelled bark, precise engraving of the foliage and restrained use of gold decoration are highly characteristic of this aesthetic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2273\" data-start=\"1790\"\u003eThe pine occupies a central place in Japanese art and symbolism. As one of the \u003cstrong data-end=\"1896\" data-start=\"1869\"\u003eThree Friends of Winter\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem data-end=\"1911\" data-start=\"1898\"\u003eShōchikubai\u003c\/em\u003e—pine, bamboo and plum), it represents longevity, steadfastness and unwavering virtue. Remaining evergreen throughout the seasons, the pine became an emblem of perseverance, fidelity and enduring good fortune. Ancient pines were also believed to serve as the dwelling places of kami, linking the tree to Shinto concepts of sacred nature and spiritual permanence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2671\" data-start=\"2275\"\u003eThe artist captures these qualities not through narrative but through the expressive vitality of the tree itself. The massive trunk twists with age and resilience while the layered branches extend gracefully across the guard, creating a composition of remarkable movement and balance. The subtle gold accents evoke morning dew glistening upon the needles, reinforcing the quiet poetic atmosphere.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-is-only-node=\"\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-end=\"2909\" data-start=\"2673\"\u003eThe refined iron plate, exceptional relief carving and harmonious composition make this tsuba an outstanding example of late Edo Bushū workmanship, combining technical virtuosity with the timeless symbolism of Japan's most revered tree.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimension\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e70,8 mm x 75,0 mm x 4,6 mm (Seppa) -  4,7 mm (Mimi), 83,00 g\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"www.nihonto.art","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57178218529033,"sku":null,"price":2900.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0885\/6734\/9513\/files\/Bushu_00.png?v=1783264934","url":"https:\/\/nihonto.art\/de\/products\/tsuba-bushu-school-probably-yanagawa-school","provider":"www.nihonto.art","version":"1.0","type":"link"}