Heianjō tsuba with mythical creatures and a rabbit. Momoyama period.

Accession Number: TSU-0217

Category: Objects

Relatively thick iron tsuba of rounded square form with slightly elevated rim decorated in carving (sukidashi-bori) and yellow brass (shinchū) inlay (suemon-zōgan) with legendary creatures (humans with cow heads) in a pine tree forrest on the face,  and a horned man with a stick hunting a rabbit in the woods on the reverse.  Large hitsu-ana possibly cut off later on.

In the beginning of the 20th century such tsuba were usually attributed to Fushimi-Kaga school. This one may be attributed to either Ōnin or to Heianjō. The latter seems most plosible because of the thick web and dull patina. The technique may also be called "shinchū-zōgan".

Momoyama or early Edo period.

Unsigned.

Dimensions: 72.3 x 68.4 x 4.1 mm

Additional Information

Collection Japanese swords & fittings
Type / Purpose Tsuba
Country Japan
Period 17 AD , Azuchi–Momoyama period [安土桃山時代] (1568–1603)
School Heianjō School , Ōnin School
Subject Mythical creature , Pine (matsu) , Pines , rabbit (usagi)
Media/Technique Carving , Inlay , Low relief carving , Suemon-zōgan , Sukidashi-bori
Material Brass , Iron , Shinchū
Acquisition year 2014

Please confirm your age

This item is in the Erotica category. Please confirm that you are 18 or older to continue.