Pair of Japanese Edo Period Tsuba with Treasure Ship Motif
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Edo period
This pair of Japanese tsuba, or sword guards, dates to the Edo period and features elaborate decorative motifs related to the Seven Lucky Gods. The set consists of two distinct pieces crafted from different base metals: one in shakudo and one in suaka.
Both feature a nanako ground surface and intricate high-relief inlays depicting a treasure ship, cranes, turtles, and waves. The shakudo tsuba includes gilded crane accents and figures of Ebisu, Daikoku, and Benzaiten. It measures approximately 67.7mm in height by 60.5mm in width, with a thickness of 8.5mm and a weight of 75g. The suaka tsuba, which displays silvered crane details, features figures of Bishamonten, Fukurokuju, Daikoku, and Jurojin.
It measures approximately 69mm in height by 62.2mm in width, with a thickness of 6.8mm and a weight of 91g. These pieces, which are presented in a dedicated wooden storage box, demonstrate contrasting styles of craftsmanship, with the shakudo piece offering fine detail and the suaka piece showcasing bold, dynamic execution.
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
- Material
- Shakudo, suaka, gold, silver
- Accessories
- Wooden storage box
- Weight suaka
- 91g
- Weight shakudo
- 75g
- Dimensions suaka
- 69mm x 62.2mm x 6.8mm
- Dimensions shakudo
- 67.7mm x 60.5mm x 8.5mm
Technical characteristics
- Finish
- Nanako ground
Design
- Motifs
- Treasure ship, Seven Lucky Gods, cranes, turtles, waves
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.