Edo Period Japanese Tsuba with figurative scene by Joju
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Edo period
This Japanese Tsuba, or sword guard, originates from the Edo period. It is a metallic object designed for the hilt of a Japanese sword, featuring an intricate figurative scene.
The design depicts a figure resting in a small boat within a landscape setting that includes clouds and a moon, rendered through precise metalwork techniques associated with the Nara school. The object measures approximately 72 mm in height by 65 mm in width, with a thickness of about 4 mm, and has a physical weight of 125 grams. The piece is attributed to the master Joju, a renowned practitioner of the Nara school known for his skilled engraving.
Unlike some more restrained Edo period metalwork, this example is noted for its spontaneous expression and vitality, reflecting the master's technical proficiency and artistic freedom in traditional metalwork.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Width
- 65 mm
- Height
- 72 mm
- Weight
- 125 grams
- Thickness
- 4 mm
Technical characteristics
- School
- Nara school
Design
- Motif
- figural landscape with boat and moon
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
- Maker named in listing
- Joju
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.