From the late 12th century through the 17th century, Japan was ruled by samurais (military leaders) but politics remained unstable. Internal wars and power shifts were very frequent, especially during the late 15th century to the end of the 16th century (called Sengoku Jidai, or warring period).
Finally, Ieyasu Tokugawa unified the country after the decisive Battle of Sekigahara (located between Nagoya and Kyoto, visible from Shinkansen) in 1600 and the attacks on Osaka Castle in 1615 where the rival Toyotomi family perished. Ieyasu established a new government in Edo and became the first shogun of the Edo Bakufu in 1603. Edo, a sleepy little town until then, was transformed into a huge political city by aggressive public works including land reclamation, new canals and clean water supply systems. The Tokugawa family ruled the country in the next 264 years (15 shoguns in all). Ieyasu Tokugawa was deified and worshiped in Nikko Toshogu Shrine (even today).
One of the poems that Rihaku read in Rozan, "Watching Rozan Falls".
It depicts the scenery and people of Rozan Waterfall.
On this Tsuba, two figures look out over a waterfall in the mountains under the clouds.The stream is a crescent, frozen water from the mountain, there is a a Turtle swimming in it. Rogoh gazes at it and a gourd is slung over his shoulder by what appears to be a costermonger. ( Also called cos·ter [kos-ter, kaw-ster] /ˈkɒs tər, ˈkɔ stər/ a seller of fish fruit etc in the streets.
On the reverse is a figure, possibly Li Bai, burning an incense burner. One of the poems Li Haku read in Rozan, "Watching Rozan Falls”
Li Bai is best known for the extravagant imagination and striking Taoist imagery in his poetry, as well as for his great love for liquor (many of his poems are about the comical and occasionally enlightening adventures of a wandering drunk).
The last picture was sent to me by a Japanese expert on these rare antiques. Apparently they are worth several thousand pounds and
would "paper as an important work if presented for authentication".
Collection preferred, payment on collection.But delivery is possible, once funds are cleared. No returns please.
I do have the Katana that the tsuba was originally fitted to, I will list it for sale on ebay.com, as it is not allowed on ebay.co.uk.