This impressive iron tsuba, attributed to the third master of the Akasaka school and accompanied by NBTHK Hozon authentication as Akasaka work, displays all the hallmarks of the school’s bold and powerful aesthetic. The openwork (sukashi) design depicts a stylized spindle motif, possibly alluding to the Japanese folktale of the young girl transformed into a spindle—a subtle narrative element rendered with strength rather than delicacy.
The plate is thick, solid, and confidently forged, embodying the vigorous ironwork for which early Akasaka masters are renowned. One of the most striking features is the exceptionally well-defined tekkotsu visible along the inner rim and carved surfaces. These iron bones stand out sharply, demonstrating both the skill of the maker and the intentional emphasis on robust forging. Such pronounced tekkotsu suggests that the tsuba may have been a commissioned piece for a samurai who wished to showcase the strength and quality of his fittings.
Despite its simplicity, the composition is elegant and balanced, with the flowing contours of the spindle form framed by the circular rim. The workmanship conveys determination, solidity, and a disciplined mastery of iron—characteristics deeply associated with the Akasaka tradition.
Dimension 77,2 mm x 78,8 mm x 7,2 mm (6,6 mm) 125,8 g
