72 mm X 68mm x 4 mm
Well carved Thousand Monkey Iron Tsuba from the Edo Period with Hozon Certificate Attributed to the Hizen School
The Thousand Monkey Tsuba (Senbiki-zaru) is a renowned type of Japanese sword guard featuring a motif of a great number of densely carved monkeys in openwork. This design is a hallmark of the Yagami School based in the Hizen province (present-day Nagasaki Prefecture).
The “Thousand Monkeys” name is a Japanese expression for “very many,” rather than an exact count, similar to the “thousand-year-old sea turtle” expression.
- Master Craftsmen: The most famous exponents of this design were the first and second generations of Mitsuhiro, who were active in the Edo period (late 18th to early 19th century).
- Technique: The monkeys are typically rendered in intricate, three-dimensional openwork (nikubori ji-sukashi). The best examples are known for their exceptional detail, with each monkey depicted at a different angle and having a unique face and visible fur on the body.
- Materials & Embellishments: These Tsuba are primarily made of iron with gold highlights like the eyes
- Origin & Influence: The Yagami school’s location near Nagasaki meant their designs were influenced by Chinese art motifs, which later became known as the Nanban style. And are also often referred to as Hizen Tsuba
Due to their exquisite craftsmanship and Rarity Genuine Mitsuhiro Thousand Monkey Tsuba are highly sought after by collectors.
