A circular iron tsuba with a design of three monkey toys (kukurizaru) in small openwork (ko-sukashi); the plate further decorated with four rows of brass dot inlay (ten-zogan). The center of the plate and the openings are outlined with brass wire. Copper sekigane. A few dots missing.
Muromachi period.
Dimensions: 89.0 x 88.2 x 2.9 mm.
Kukurizaru was an often used motif on old tsuba. The symbol has two explanations: (1) "upright" monkey, a sort of roly-poly toy, alludes to 'never-ever give up' property of the samurai; (2) monkeys are represented with their hands and feet tied to their back to symbolize self-control.
Other examples of the same design:
Additional Information
| Collection | Japanese swords & fittings |
|---|---|
| Type / Purpose | Tsuba |
| Country | Japan |
| Period | 16 AD , Muromachi period [室町時代] (1336–1573) |
| School | Ōnin School |
| Media/Technique | Sukashi , Ten-zōgan |
| Material | Brass , Iron |
| Subject | Kukurizaru |
| Acquisition year | 2018 |
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