Caption

Crossguard tsuba, Japanese, Edo period 1603–1868, early 18th century, iron tsuba, maru gata round, kaku mimi rectangular edge, ryôhitsu-ana oval blinded with shakudô. Decorated in yô sukashi positive openwork with a hoo phoenix perched on a willow tree; decoration and edge with gold inlay using the nunome technique. Aizu-Shôami style. Not signed. Height 8.4 cm; width 8.2 cm; depth 0.45 cm., A round ornamental metal object with a central elongated opening, showing a dark brown patina and areas of worn gold decoration; the outer rim is circular and dark with scattered gold highlights; on one side a stylized bird with spread wings is visible in dark brown with touches of gold on its beak and body; hanging leafy or fern-like forms in dark brown descend near the top and sides; two oval ridged forms flank the central opening, each outlined with gold and showing dark ridged interiors; sweeping gold filigree patterns decorate two symmetrical curved panels on opposite sides, with fine gold lines and ornamental motifs; the lower area features a curling dark branch-like form with small gold accents and a textured surface; background is a neutral gray.

Credit line

Photo12/Liszt Collection

Reference

LZT26A22_051

License type

Rights managed

Available size

103.0Mb (7.2Mb) / 20.0in x 20.0in / 6000 x 6000 (300dpi)

Keywords

Crossguard tsuba Japanese Edo period 1603–1868 early 18th century iron tsuba maru gata round kaku mimi rectangular edge ryôhitsu-ana oval blinded shakudô Decorated yô sukashi positive openwork hoo phoenix perched willow tree decoration edge gold inlay using nunome technique Aizu-Shôami style signed Height 8.4 cm width 8.2 cm depth 0.45 cm round ornamental metal object central elongated opening showing dark brown patina areas worn gold outer rim circular dark scattered highlights side stylized bird spread wings visible dark brown touches beak body hanging leafy fern- forms dark brown descend near top sides two ridged forms flank central opening outlined ridged interiors sweeping filigree patterns decorate two symmetrical curved panels opposite sides fine lines ornamental motifs lower area features curling branch- form small accents textured surface background neutral gray.