A KAGA STYLE INLAID TSUBA

Details

A KAGA STYLE INLAID TSUBA
EDO PERIOD (CIRCA 1675)

The four-lobed iron plate has a rounded and rolled rim (perhaps attached), with a slightly rounded web surface on both sides. The face and reverse are inlaid in flush brass, copper and silver designs of kiri crests, leaves and vine tendrils en suite to the rim. The four boar's-eye openings (inomeboriana) are silver-lined. The hitsu-ana are original--height 8.3cm., width 7.7cm., thickness 4.5cm.

Lot Essay

This is a fine example of Kaga-style iron plate inlay which was perfected by the Koike Yoshiro group. At this time (1600-1700) the inlay masters of Kaga demonstrated their skill by working on rounded surfaces or uneven shapes to show mastery of their inlay technique.

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