Shibuichi, shakudo, gold and silver overlays
Silver plating and gilding
Japan, Edo period (1603-1867)
Oval form
Finely worked in sukashibori with iroezogan
Warrriors confronting by a fast running stream and a dragon
Dimensions: approx. 8 x 8 cm
Good condition
Provenance: Private collection Germany
Magnificent tsuba, showing the detailed work with different metals in an compartmentalized open work

This ornamental open work tsuba was made in the Japanese Edo period (1603-1867) and consists of inlays in shibuichi, shakudo and shows gold and silver overlays as well as silver plating and gilding. The tsuba shows an accurate design in sukashibori with iroezogan. So a warrior on a bridge and one confronting a fast running stream are rendered. A dragon's head rises out of the waves of the water and gnarled pines are rendered at the edges. The outer edge is covered with gold and two recesses for a kozuka and a kogai are visible adjacent to the central slit.



The tsuba is in good condition with only slight age-related signs of wear, such as small scratches, nicks and minimal abrasion. The dimensions of the tsuba are approx. 8 x 8 cm



Tsuba

A tsuba is a hilt of a traditional Japanese sword and is located between the handle and the blade of the sword. It serves in this position as protect of the hand. A tsuba is in most cases made of metals such as iron, copper or copper alloy and is often decorated with elaborate inlays, where gold and silver are used. The shape is often round to oval; particularly popular is the quatrefoil form, called mokko. Ornate decorations of various motifs of the flora, the fauna and the mythical world adorn the sides of the tsuba. Mostly two recesses, one for the kozuka and one for the kogai, are visible next to the middle slot.

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