SHIGEYOSHI (Kao)

Tsuba made by Nara Shigeyoshi.  Base plate metal is a very nice red copper called suaka.  The subject of the hawk and the monkey is a very famous story.  Well cut and especially well laid out on the rounded plate, the artist shows great sense and skill.  The fine use of shakudo and gold accent the design well, and enhance the fine line carving as well.  All in all, aside from being well done, this tsuba shows a slight "sense of humor" when looking at the expression of the monkeys posture.  Shigeyoshi worked in the late Edo period.  There is an example done by him signed "Nara Shigeyoshi" made of brass with the same design.