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An unpublished catalogue of the A. H. Church collection of Japanese sword-guards (tsuba) by Albert James Koop.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, Sano Naoyoshi (towards 1800) was another Yanagawa pupil. Among many members of note the school numbered several amateur workers of samurai rank, as well as a daimio, Akimoto Tsunetomo, Lord of Yamagata in Dew and patron of Naoyoshi, who taught him engraving.
Delicate inlay is a feature of Sano work, especially with the subsequent treatment of the inlaid surface with nanako granulation or kindred processes.
Mokkō-shaped tsuba with dragons and sacred pearl (EAX.11027)
Tsuba with autumn flowers by a stream (EAX.11028)
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