Ko-kinko Sukashi

An early ko-kinko tsuba with kikusui and choji motif.

7.08 cm H x 0.49 cm T
the reverse
waves and droplets with chrysanthemum flower
clustered cloves, slightly offset on the two sides

More openwork than is usual for ko-kinko. The detail in the carving holds up even under a microscope, which is seldom the case. Sophisticated work in design and execution. In this case the ana is a safe bet to be original, if slightly altered. I’m left wondering what the rest of the mounting looked like.