Description
ITEM:
It Comes with certificate of SupeinNihonto. Comes with wood box.
Daishō Tsuba
A matched daishō tsuba set in iron with rich high-relief carving and extensive gold decoration, originally conceived as a coherent katana and wakizashi pair. The workmanship reflects refined execution within the Mito school aesthetic of the Edo period.
Motif and composition
Both guards depict narrative figural scenes in well-modeled takabori relief, set within a literary-style landscape.
The larger tsuba shows a composition with tree, architectural element, and principal figure, enhanced with fine gold landscape lines.
The smaller tsuba presents a denser multi-figure scene arranged around the nakago-ana.
The strong thematic, technical, and patina consistency confirms an original daishō pairing.
Materials and techniques
Base: quality iron with well-developed dark patina.
Rim (mimi): fitted with a continuous solid gold fukurin, cleanly executed and visually elegant.
Gold decoration:
finely applied nunome-zōgan,
localized gold applications in relief,
gold-covered hitsu-ana plates with repeated punch decoration.
Carving: deep takabori with detailed facial and textile modeling.
The richness of the gold work and the quality of carving place the set among good-level Edo decorative productions.
Signature
The smaller tsuba bears a vertically carved signature on the seppa-dai. The chiseling style and placement are fully consistent with Mito school workshop practice of the Edo period, supporting the stylistic attribution.
Style and attribution
Based on the Chinese-inspired literary theme, dense narrative relief, and extensive use of gold on dark iron, the set fits solidly within the Mito tradition.
Dating: Edo period (18th–19th century).
Condition
Very good overall condition:
iron patina well preserved,
solid gold fukurin intact and continuous,
most gilt elements present,
crisp relief with only light age-appropriate wear.
A highly attractive set suitable for quality mounting or advanced collection.
Technical summary
Type: Daishō tsuba (katana and wakizashi)
Base material: Iron
Mimi: Solid gold fukurin
Techniques: Takabori, gold nunome-zōgan, gold applications
Motif: Narrative figural scene
School: Mito tradition (stylistic)
Period: Edo
Signature: present on smaller tsuba
Condition: Very good
Katana tsuba 8,3 x 7,9 cm
Wakizashi tsuba 7,5 x 7,1 cm
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At Supein Nihonto we strive to bring you high quality samurai swords and armors at prices far below the competition. We are probably the largest exporter in Europe and we are proud to anunce that we are number one TOP SELLER in Catawiki Samurai and Japanese auctions. This is especially important to save on taxes and waiting times that can exceed four months deliveries with Japanese sellers also headaches with tedious and sometimes problematic processes that further lengthen deliveries, even returning the parcel to its origin and more than 35% extra on the final price due the customs, tariffs and fees that increase the product but not the quality and the future resell. We are also professional sellers and therefore our satisfaction guarantee, knowledge and standards are superior to private sellers and with higher after sales guarantees. Thanks to this and the lowest professional prices in the industry plus our fast and efficient shipping method which rarely exceeds three days delivery in Europe, we are sure you will enjoy this great opportunity to own a piece of art that will appreciate in value for years to come and a great investment. Trust us to enjoy the samurai art.
