19th century Edo period iron Japanese kashira (metal pommel at the end of the hilt of a sword) with relief depiction of the Vinegar Tasters - the three founders of China's major religious and philosophical traditions. Confucius, the Buddha and Lao Tse were dipping their fingers in a vat of vinegar and tasting it. Each man's expression represents the predominant attitude of his religion: Confucianism saw life as sour, in need of rules to correct the degeneration of people; Buddhism saw life as bitter, dominated by pain and suffering; and Taoism saw life as fundamentally good in its natural state. Another interpretation of the subject is that, since the three men are gathered around one vat of vinegar, the "three teachings" are one. Wonderful crisp metalwork, beautiful copper, gold and silver inlays, in great condition. Length 1 1/4 inches.

Reserve: $280.00

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