Introduction

Among Nanban tsuba there is a genre that is best described as "Asian export sword guards," and among those, there is a distinct group that was made in China, for the Japanese market. The production center was most likely Canton.

For more information, see my article: Nanban tsuba, a Canton group.

This example

One of the archetypes of the Canton group. It features the characteristic lingzhi mushroom elements in the center, surrounded by pierced openwork with facing abstract dragons, reaching for the sacred jewel at the top. The jewel consists of a little ball, entirely cut loose from its surroundings so it moves freely within its compartment.

The rim is beaded with an inner raised ring on each side. It has nine undercut elements.

Probably late 18th century.