NOMURA YUKI: A SHIBUICHI TSUBA WITH BIRD AND PERSIMMONS By Nomura Yuki (died 1722), signed Nomura Yuki Japan, early 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) The shibuichi tsuba of kaku-gata shape, with one hitsu, finely embellished with iro-e takazogan depicting a bird in flight above a leafy branch with two persimmons, one further single persimmon on the reverse. SIZE 5.6 x 5 cm WEIGHT 66.6 g Condition: Very good condition with only minimal surface wear. Provenance: French private collection. The artist is listed on page 351 and 580, in the book Toso Kinko Jiten by Wakayama Takeshi. Nomura Yuki (his earlier art name Nomura Masatada 野村正矢) was the 3rd generation of the Nomura metal crafting family. He was an official retainer and made sword fittings for the Hachisuka family of the Tokushima Domain, Awa province (modern Tokushima prefecture), in the mid-Edo period.