Namban iron tsuba with Portuguese figure motif
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Momoyama period (1573-1615)
This round tsuba, or Japanese sword guard, is a classic example of Namban art, created during the Momoyama period (1573–1615). Crafted from iron, the object features an intricate openwork design incorporating gilt-inlaid details.
The central focus of the composition is a representation of two Portuguese figures in relief, a style often categorized as Nippo-Portuguese. The piece measures 7.6 cm in diameter. The construction utilizes piercing techniques to delineate the figures against the iron background, reflecting the cross-cultural artistic exchanges occurring in Japan during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. The object exhibits signs of age and significant wear, consistent with its historical provenance.
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
- Diameter
- 7.6 cm
- Material
- iron
Technical characteristics
- Style
- Namban
- Decoration
- pierced and gilt-inlaid
Design
- Motif
- Two Portuguese figures
- Shape
- round
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.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.