The A. H. Church Collection of Japanese Sword-Guards (Tsuba)
An unpublished catalogue of the A. H. Church collection of Japanese sword-guards (tsuba) by Albert James Koop.
The founder, Iwamoto [Japanese text] Chūbei, was a pupil of the Yokoya and worked entirely in their style (early 18th century). But the school did not attain fame until Iwamoto Riōkwan I and his pupil Iwamoto Konkwan (1743-1801), following the Nara and Hamano styles, developed them in their own way. Bold sculpturesque relief, done on iron or soft metal grounds, is a feature of their work. The favourite subjects are fishes, but birds and animals, trees and flowers are not, on occasion, despised.
Konkwan’s signature has been much forged.
Tsuba with swimming carp (EAX.11064)
Tsuba with ray, ling, and plaice (EAX.11065)
Tsuba with chrysanthemum flower and animals (EAX.11066)
Mokkō-shaped tsuba with peony flower and butterflies (EAX.11067)
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