As part of our Japanese works of art collection we are delighted to offer this large fine quality Meiji period ( 1868-1912) circa 1890 Gold lacquer Tsuba of quatrefoil form, this lavish Silver mounted oversized Tsuba ( Sword hand guard ) has been decorated in Shibayama style upon a Gold lacquer ground, the main subject depicts two Samurai hanging in baskets suspended from a rope across a Gorge, with a waterfall in the background, one Samurai threatens to burn the rope with his flaming torch whilst the other wields his Katana, clearly a no win situation for either Warrior as both will surely fall to their death, the reverse finely decorated with a bird in flight amidst Peony, Wisteria and other native Flora, artist signed in a red lacquer seal that translates to read Shinzan .
Notes:
Gold lacquer Tsuba’s such as this were often made by a collaboration of artists in the latter part of the 19th century, and aimed specifically at the emerging Western market, these opulent items would have taken an age to produce and would have been expensive items at the time , the process undoubtedly involved a Lacquer specialist, a Metal worker and a Shibayama artist, usually the dominant or most famous of these would have signed these type of wares.
Condition report :
In lovely clean condition with no apparent losses, for complete accuracy and as often the case on these multi media items, miniscule age related gaps and Lacquer cracks are evident where the movement of the Lacquer upon wood meets the solid Silver rims, however the item is totally stable and a wonderful example.
Approximate sizes:
Height : 4.2″ 10.7 cm
Width: 4.3″ 11 cm
Depth: 0.4″ 1.1 cm
Free worldwide delivery and a certificate of authenticity are included within the price of this item.