As part of our Japanese works of art collection we are delighted to offer this lovely Edo Period (Circa 1840) Iron & mixed metal onlaid Tsuba, depicting Emma-o with Oni the Demon beside, the artist has captured Emma-o in stunning detail, modelled wearing a Gold hat, piercing inlaid eyes and Gold teeth add detailing to his Shibuchi face, seated wearing traditional Japanese Attire and aside Oni the demon who has hidden behind a rock, the reverse depicts an onlaid Shibuichi Carp hanging from Gold Rope, artist signed to the rear, a nice addition to your Tsuba , Samurai arms and armour, or Japanese metalwork collection.
Provenance:
USA and Russian collections , also previously supplied by ourselves.
Artist: Ishiguro Masayoshi 1774-1862
Literature:
Emma-o: The Japanese Buddhist god of the underworld.
He lives in the Yellow Springs under the earth in a huge castle all covered in Silver and Gold, rosy Pearls and other jewels. He is the judge of the dead and notes the sins of those who are sentenced to purgatory, and decides the degree of their punishments according to Buddha’s Law. Anyone who has killed an innocent will be thrown into a boiling cauldron full of molten metal. However, if they have made a pilgrimage to each of the 33 shrines of the goddess of mercy Kannon, then all the evil they have done will disappear. Sometimes he is portrayed less pitiless and returns life to those who appear before him.
Condition:
Stunning original condition.
Approximate sizes:
Height: 3.1/8″ 8 cm
Width: 3″ 7.7 cm
Free worldwide delivery and a certificate of authenticity are included in the price of this item