Tsuba Sword Guard (140g) – Mokko Shape – Fans with Chrysanthemum, Landscape & Waves and Plovers with - Edo Period (1600-1868)

06
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20
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Starting bid
€ 1
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Julien Gauthier
Expert
Selected by Julien Gauthier

With almost a decade of experience bridging science, museum curation, and traditional blacksmithing, Julien has developed a unique expertise in historical arms, armour, and African art.

Estimate  € 150 - € 200
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An Edo-period iron tsuba in mokko shape (8.4 cm high x 8.2 cm wide x 0.3 cm thick), weighing 140 g, decorated on the obverse with three fan panels featuring chrysanthemums in relief with gold inlays, and with waves and plovers and a landscape, while the reverse shows traces of a circular gold inlay motif; it comes with a paulownia box and shows age-appropriate wear, patina, light rust and losses to parts of the gold inlays.

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Description from the seller

【Important notes】

・International buyers are responsible for any import duties, taxes, and charges not included in the item price or shipping cost. Please note that VAT paid to Catawiki is separate from and does not cover import duties or customs charges in your country. You may still be required to pay additional fees upon delivery, as determined by your local customs authorities.
・Shipping Details: Most items are shipped via Japan Post EMS (airmail). If you are in a hurry, we can arrange shipping via DHL or FedEx upon request for an additional fee.
・Damage and Issues: If you receive a damaged item, please contact us immediately. The damage must be reported to your local post office within 7 days of delivery, and promptly to us and Catawiki support.

【Product details】

This Edo-period iron tsuba sword guard is crafted in the mokko (quatrefoil) shape. The obverse is decorated with three fan panels: two at the top, one featuring chrysanthemums in relief with gold inlays and the other with waves and plovers in gold inlays, and a third fan at the lower section depicting a landscape scene with gold inlays. The reverse preserves traces of a circular gold inlay motif, and traditional adjustment marks can be seen around the tang opening.

Fans are auspicious symbols associated with growth, prosperity, and good fortune. Chrysanthemums represent longevity and renewal, and were also regarded as a symbol of imperial refinement. The landscape suggests harmony with nature and cultivated taste, while the design of waves and plovers conveys perseverance in adversity and the wish for safe passage.

The piece shows age-appropriate wear with patina, light rust, and losses to parts of the gold inlays. Please refer to the photographs for a detailed view of its condition. The tsuba weighs 140 g and comes with a paulownia wood storage box.

Dimensions: approx. H 8.4 cm W 8.2 cm D 0.3 cm

・Please make sure to review all the provided information and images before placing your bid.
・We make every effort to accurately represent the product's colors and textures in our photos. However, due to differences in monitors and device displays, as well as photographic conditions, slight color variations between the photos and the actual product may occur. We ask for your understanding in advance.

Thank you for your interest, and happy bidding!

Seller's Story

Welcome to Yorozuya Arinsu!                                                             We are an antique shop based on the outskirts of Tokyo, originally focusing on the Japanese market but proudly expanding to serve international customers. In August 2023, we became a pro seller on Catawiki, and since then, we’ve enjoyed sharing our passion for Japanese art and antiques with collectors worldwide.                                           Our collection includes a diverse range of items, from genuine antiques to contemporary art pieces. We take pride in offering unique, high-quality objects that reflect Japan’s rich cultural heritage as well as modern creativity. If there’s something specific you’re looking for, feel free to reach out to us on Instagram: 【yorozuya_arinsu】                                                          Thank you for visiting our shop, and we look forward to helping you find your next special piece!                                   

【Important notes】

・International buyers are responsible for any import duties, taxes, and charges not included in the item price or shipping cost. Please note that VAT paid to Catawiki is separate from and does not cover import duties or customs charges in your country. You may still be required to pay additional fees upon delivery, as determined by your local customs authorities.
・Shipping Details: Most items are shipped via Japan Post EMS (airmail). If you are in a hurry, we can arrange shipping via DHL or FedEx upon request for an additional fee.
・Damage and Issues: If you receive a damaged item, please contact us immediately. The damage must be reported to your local post office within 7 days of delivery, and promptly to us and Catawiki support.

【Product details】

This Edo-period iron tsuba sword guard is crafted in the mokko (quatrefoil) shape. The obverse is decorated with three fan panels: two at the top, one featuring chrysanthemums in relief with gold inlays and the other with waves and plovers in gold inlays, and a third fan at the lower section depicting a landscape scene with gold inlays. The reverse preserves traces of a circular gold inlay motif, and traditional adjustment marks can be seen around the tang opening.

Fans are auspicious symbols associated with growth, prosperity, and good fortune. Chrysanthemums represent longevity and renewal, and were also regarded as a symbol of imperial refinement. The landscape suggests harmony with nature and cultivated taste, while the design of waves and plovers conveys perseverance in adversity and the wish for safe passage.

The piece shows age-appropriate wear with patina, light rust, and losses to parts of the gold inlays. Please refer to the photographs for a detailed view of its condition. The tsuba weighs 140 g and comes with a paulownia wood storage box.

Dimensions: approx. H 8.4 cm W 8.2 cm D 0.3 cm

・Please make sure to review all the provided information and images before placing your bid.
・We make every effort to accurately represent the product's colors and textures in our photos. However, due to differences in monitors and device displays, as well as photographic conditions, slight color variations between the photos and the actual product may occur. We ask for your understanding in advance.

Thank you for your interest, and happy bidding!

Seller's Story

Welcome to Yorozuya Arinsu!                                                             We are an antique shop based on the outskirts of Tokyo, originally focusing on the Japanese market but proudly expanding to serve international customers. In August 2023, we became a pro seller on Catawiki, and since then, we’ve enjoyed sharing our passion for Japanese art and antiques with collectors worldwide.                                           Our collection includes a diverse range of items, from genuine antiques to contemporary art pieces. We take pride in offering unique, high-quality objects that reflect Japan’s rich cultural heritage as well as modern creativity. If there’s something specific you’re looking for, feel free to reach out to us on Instagram: 【yorozuya_arinsu】                                                          Thank you for visiting our shop, and we look forward to helping you find your next special piece!                                   

Details

Dynastic Style/Period
Edo Period (1600-1868)
Title of artwork
Tsuba Sword Guard (140g) – Mokko Shape – Fans with Chrysanthemum, Landscape & Waves and Plovers with
Condition
Fair condition
JapanVerified
4405
Objects sold
99.82%
protop

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