Ko-kinkō Chōji Tanto Tsuba

Ko-kinkō tsuba (古金工鐔) with 3-layer construction or sanmai awase, with the decorative layers made of shakudō with nanako (赤銅 魚子三枚仕合わせ地).  The motif of cloves or chōji (丁子) has been carved in raised relief on the shakudo plate in a technique called sukidashi takabori (鋤出高彫), and then gold gilded.  In addition, there are a number of inset dots made from yamagane in a technique known as tenzōgan (山銅点象嵌).  Overall a very nice, solid little tsuba of good craftsmanship and traditional style.

Measurements: 5.7cm x 4.5cm x 0.49cm

Momoyama to early Edo Period (桃山 - 江戸初期時代)

$700