Design of Spool

The term Owari sukashi was not used in earlier periods, but was introduced in the early modern era when Akiyama Kyūsaku Ou undertook the classification and organization of sukashi tsuba. Although it remains uncertain whether these works were actually produced in Owari, the yakite technique and the presence of tekkotsu closely resemble those found in the works of Owari-associated masters such as Yamakichibei, Hōan, and Sadahiro. For this reason, Owari tsuba have been regarded as their predecessors.
Owari sukashi tsuba of the Muromachi period are typically characterized by iron maru-gata (round form) with a slightly concave center, kaku-mimi ko-niku (in between square and round rim), and bold, largely symmetrical sukashi designs finished with tsuchime incorporating visible tekkotsu.
While this tsuba preserves such Owari traditions, the center is not deeply concave, the mimi approaches relatively a rounded form, and the sukashi is executed with a refined and gentle elegance, resulting in a work of particularly dignified character. The piece does not appear to date as early as the Muromachi period, but is instead thought to have been produced between the Momoyama period and the early Edo period.
Nevertheless, slight tekkotsu can still be observed along the mimi, while the deep black patina and the graceful sukashi, with its sense of spaciousness and composure, fully convey the distinctive charm of Owari work.