Two Figures in a Thatched Pavilion Tsuba - Iron (cast/wrought) - Japan - Unknown
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Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
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Original Japanese iron tsuba titled Two Figures in a Thatched Pavilion Tsuba, depicting Daruma with front relief and a restrained reverse design, measuring approximately 8 × 7.5 × 0.5 cm and weighing about 140 g, with an Ishiguro inscription and including a wooden storage box.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
History / Description
A visually striking Japanese iron tsuba featuring a deeply modelled depiction of Daruma (Bodhidharma), one of the most recognisable figures in Zen Buddhist tradition.
The front is decorated with the seated figure of Daruma in expressive relief, accompanied by naturalistic landscape details. The composition continues onto the reverse with a restrained rocky or landscape design, giving the tsuba visual interest from both sides.
A vertical incised signature or inscription is visible near the hitsu-ana. The characters “Ishiguro” (石黒) can be clearly observed, while the remaining characters are less distinct. The inscription is presented as visible on the object and has not been used here to make a definitive attribution to a specific artist.
The textured iron surface, sculptural modelling of Daruma's face and robe, and the softly rounded form of the rim create a strong and highly decorative appearance.
Collector Appeal
Daruma is a particularly appealing subject in Japanese art, associated with Zen, perseverance and spiritual discipline.
The expressive facial modelling and substantial relief give this tsuba a distinctive presence. The visible Ishiguro inscription also adds an interesting point for collectors of Japanese sword fittings and signed tosogu.
A characterful display piece suitable for a Japanese art collection, samurai-related collection, tokonoma-inspired display or specialist collection of tsuba and sword fittings.
Condition
In good condition with visible signs of age, previous handling and display.
The iron surface shows areas of oxidation, reddish surface rust, wear and natural variation in colour and texture. These characteristics are clearly shown in the detailed photographs.
Metal adjustment is visible around part of the nakago-ana. Please examine all photographs carefully, including the close-up images of the inscription, surface and rim, as they form an important part of the condition description.
Specs
Object: Japanese sword guard / Tsuba
Motif: Daruma / Bodhidharma
Material: Iron
Country of origin: Japan
Dimensions: approx. 8 × 7.5 × 0.5 cm
Weight: approx. 140 g
Inscription: Vertical inscription with “Ishiguro” (石黒) visible
Included: Wooden storage box
Shipping
The item will be carefully packed and shipped from Japan with tracking.
The tsuba and wooden box will be securely protected to minimise movement and impact during international transportation.
Customs Duty Notice
Import duties, taxes and customs charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. Any such charges are the buyer's responsibility and may vary depending on the destination country's regulations.
History / Description
A visually striking Japanese iron tsuba featuring a deeply modelled depiction of Daruma (Bodhidharma), one of the most recognisable figures in Zen Buddhist tradition.
The front is decorated with the seated figure of Daruma in expressive relief, accompanied by naturalistic landscape details. The composition continues onto the reverse with a restrained rocky or landscape design, giving the tsuba visual interest from both sides.
A vertical incised signature or inscription is visible near the hitsu-ana. The characters “Ishiguro” (石黒) can be clearly observed, while the remaining characters are less distinct. The inscription is presented as visible on the object and has not been used here to make a definitive attribution to a specific artist.
The textured iron surface, sculptural modelling of Daruma's face and robe, and the softly rounded form of the rim create a strong and highly decorative appearance.
Collector Appeal
Daruma is a particularly appealing subject in Japanese art, associated with Zen, perseverance and spiritual discipline.
The expressive facial modelling and substantial relief give this tsuba a distinctive presence. The visible Ishiguro inscription also adds an interesting point for collectors of Japanese sword fittings and signed tosogu.
A characterful display piece suitable for a Japanese art collection, samurai-related collection, tokonoma-inspired display or specialist collection of tsuba and sword fittings.
Condition
In good condition with visible signs of age, previous handling and display.
The iron surface shows areas of oxidation, reddish surface rust, wear and natural variation in colour and texture. These characteristics are clearly shown in the detailed photographs.
Metal adjustment is visible around part of the nakago-ana. Please examine all photographs carefully, including the close-up images of the inscription, surface and rim, as they form an important part of the condition description.
Specs
Object: Japanese sword guard / Tsuba
Motif: Daruma / Bodhidharma
Material: Iron
Country of origin: Japan
Dimensions: approx. 8 × 7.5 × 0.5 cm
Weight: approx. 140 g
Inscription: Vertical inscription with “Ishiguro” (石黒) visible
Included: Wooden storage box
Shipping
The item will be carefully packed and shipped from Japan with tracking.
The tsuba and wooden box will be securely protected to minimise movement and impact during international transportation.
Customs Duty Notice
Import duties, taxes and customs charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. Any such charges are the buyer's responsibility and may vary depending on the destination country's regulations.
Details
Dynastic Style/Period
Unknown
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
Japan
Material
Iron (cast/wrought)
Height
7 cm
Width
6 cm
Title of artwork
Two Figures in a Thatched Pavilion Tsuba
Depth
0.5 cm
Condition
Good condition
Provenance
Private collection
Authenticity
Original/official
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