Description

An unusual nanban tsuba of unknown origin. It is decorated in a style that reminds of some sawasa export wares. The facing side is carved with lions and minor dragons over a carved background of scrollwork. The reverse is carved with a lion on top, two dragon around the hitsu-ana and a flower in the bottom, over a carved cloud background. The designs are highlighted with gold overlay.

The fineness of carving and the fact that much of the overlay is done over a cross hatched background that is cut in three directions suggests the work is most likely done in Japan. If I had to guess, my mind goes towards the nanban-style carvers in Yamashiro.

See: Signed Nanban Tsuba

The kogai-hitsu-ana is plugged with shakudō, a prized copper and gold alloy.

A very charming piece that is of better quality than most of this genre.