| A finely forged iron tsuba skillfully pierced in openwork with five cherry blossoms arranged in a well-balanced composition. Each blossom is depicted frontally, with the stamens carefully rendered in fine line and dot engraving on the petals. The openwork connecting the cherry blossoms forms a series of undulating curves, while regular notches along the inner edge of the rim add further variation. Their outlines are reminiscent of stylized snowflakes, suggesting an intriguing design combining spring cherry blossoms with lingering snow. Distinctive hidden chisel marks, three above and five below the nakago-ana, can be seen. Recent research has associated this arrangement with the fifth-generation Hayashi Matabei, providing an important clue in considering the attribution of this unsigned work. The powerful character of the iron, intricate openwork, and beautifully balanced arrangement of the cherry blossoms combine to create a tsuba that exemplifies the refined aesthetic of Higo metalwork. |
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