Goto Taijo Japanese shakudo nanako tsuba depicting a horse-drawn chariot, 18th century
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
This fine Japanese tsuba, or sword guard, is attributed to the master artist Goto Taijo (1631-1701), founder of the Jizaemon Goto sideline. Crafted in the Edo period, the piece is of nagamarugata form and features a sophisticated shakudo nanako ground.
The obverse is decorated with elaborate gold and iro-e takazogan, depicting a historical or legendary scene featuring a figure identified as Shokatsuryo or Gomo riding in a horse-drawn chariot, accompanied by an attendant holding a parasol beneath a pine tree. The reverse side displays a complementary design of a kneeling figure positioned by a stream. The tsuba includes traditional kozuka and kogai hitsu ana openings.
The craftsmanship demonstrates high-relief metalwork and precise granular texturing typical of the Goto school's refined aesthetic. It is signed with the name 'Goto Taijo' accompanied by a kao. Measuring 7.4 cm in height and 6.9 cm in length, the tsuba has a substantial weight of 131.7 grams, representing a significant example of Japanese sword furniture from the 18th century.
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
- Height
- 7.4 cm
- Length
- 6.9 cm
- Weight
- 131.7 g
- Material
- Shakudo, gold, iro-e
Technical characteristics
- Form
- nagamarugata
- Openings
- kozuka and kogai hitsu ana
Design
- Obverse
- Shokatsuryo or Gomo in chariot with attendant and pine
- Reverse
- Kneeling figure by a stream
- Technique
- nanako, takazogan
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
- Goto Taijo
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.