Circa 1700 Japanese Iron Tsuba With Takazogan Gold Inlay Scholars And An Acolyte

~ Circa 1700 Japanese Iron Tsuba With Gold Inlay Scholars And An Acolyte ~

From a private gentlemans collection, here we have a Mito, Nara, or other school tsuba of mokko-gata form with two hitsu-ana (one plugged with shakudo) decorated in takazogan with a two Scholars and an Acolyte meeting in a mountainous landscape to the main side and a sprig of leaves to the other.

The tsuba here was attributed by the gentlemans father to the Nara School, possibly this was after discussion with W.H. [Bill] Tilley with whom he was acquainted via Christie’s. However, in the absence of a Nara Artist signature or inscription here (eg. Tomomitsu, Shigechika, or the great Toshinaga), attribution should be left open. The subject is reminiscent of Kokei Sansho, the allegorical story of a Buddhist, a Daoist and a Poet who break into fits of laughter after the Buddhist forgets a vow whilst immersed in conversation with the other two.

~ Condition ~

Please refer to the images for the condition. A good example.

~ Dimensions ~

The tsuba is 8cm (3.25 inches) in length.