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Mumei Awa Shoami School 無銘 阿波正阿弥
Drum Motif - Tsuba
Item No. TS005

  • Period: Edo Period

  • Designation: Hozon (NBTHK)

  • Signature: Mumei (Awa Shoami School) 無銘 阿波正阿弥

  • Tsuba:

    • Length：Vertical cm x Horizontal cm

    • Thickness of rim:　cm

Price: ¥350,000

The Shoami School (正阿弥派)

The Shoami School is one of the most renowned and prolific schools of tsuba (sword guard) makers in Japanese history. It is a broad school that originated in the late Muromachi period (1336–1573) and continued through the Edo period (1603–1868). Shoami craftsmen are known for their innovative designs, varied styles, and use of decorative inlays, often incorporating gold, silver, and copper into iron or other base metals.

Over time, the Shoami School spread to various provinces across Japan, creating regional variations with distinct characteristics. Among these, the Awa Shoami (阿波正阿弥) is one of the recognized provincial branches.

The Shoami School played a critical role in the history of Japanese sword fittings. It is considered one of the most influential tsuba-making schools, with its craftsmen producing thousands of unique pieces over several centuries.

During the Edo period, many Shoami tsuba became decorative objects for wealthy samurai and merchants.

Awa Shoami Drum Motif Tsuba

This exceptional Awa Shoami tsuba features a drum (taiko) motif with gold and silver inlay (zōgan) on an iron base (tetsu-ji). The tsuba has been authenticated by the NBTHK (Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai) with a Tokubetsu Hozon certificate, attributing it to the Awa Shoami School.

Crafted during the Edo period, this tsuba represents the high level of artistry that the Shoami School is known for, particularly from the Awa Province (modern-day Tokushima Prefecture). The drum design symbolizes strength, endurance, and celebration, often associated with traditional Japanese festivals and rituals.

The Awa Shoami School is one of the prominent regional branches of the Shoami School, known for producing highly decorative tsuba that were both practical and symbolic. The use of precious metals inlay on an iron base reflects the skill and craftsmanship of the Edo-period artisans.

This tsuba remains in excellent condition, with the gold and silver inlay still vibrant and the iron base showing a beautiful patina developed over time.