Description
ITEM:
It Comes with certificate of SupeinNihonto. Comes with wood box.
JAPANESE TSUBA WITH DRAGONS AMID WAVES
Japan, first half of the 20th century
Refined maru-gata tsuba crafted in shakudō, the classic Japanese copper-gold alloy prized for its deep, lustrous black patina and long associated with high-quality sword fittings. The surface displays an intricately worked ground with finely carved wave patterns that create strong visual depth and emphasize the dynamic composition.
The design features two confronting dragons emerging from turbulent waves, executed in high relief with excellent sculptural control. The bodies show well-defined scales, powerful limbs, and fluid movement, conveying vitality and authority. The surrounding waves are enriched with gold- and silver-plated applications, producing a striking chromatic contrast against the dark shakudō ground.
The hitsu-ana are elegantly lined in gold, a detail typically reserved for refined mountings and indicative of careful workmanship. Overall, the piece reflects the continuation of traditional tōsōgu craftsmanship into the early modern era, when skilled artisans maintained classical techniques while producing fittings for discerning collectors and high-grade koshirae.
Beyond its functional role, this tsuba stands as a highly decorative artistic object, embodying the powerful symbolism of the dragon in samurai culture—an emblem of strength, protection, and authority.
Because of its quality of execution, strong visual presence, and excellent state of preservation, this tsuba represents a highly attractive example for collectors and quality mountings, combining traditional Japanese metalwork aesthetics with refined craftsmanship.
Technical specifications
Type: Maru-gata
Material: Shakudō (copper-gold alloy with black patina)
Decoration: Dragons and waves in high relief with gold- and silver-plated inlays
Period: Japan, first half of the 20th century
Condition: Excellent preservation
Use: Suitable for high-quality koshirae or tōsōgu collection
7,4 x 7,3 cm
ABOUT US:
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.
