Photo Credit: matsu-kaze-japan
Superb Japanese Edo Era Signed Samurai Tsuba
Buy It Now Price: $550 (price as of 2016; item no longer available)
Pros:
-This is a stunningly executed example of a Japanese tsuba, or samurai sword guard. It is from the Edo period, before 1868, when the Tokugawa shogunate, dominated by the samurai class, still ruled Japan.
-The piece is substantial, measuring 68 mm (2.68 inches) long by 60.5 mm (2.38 inches) wide by 7.5 mm (0.30 inches) thick.
-The tsuba, featuring an exquisitely crafted scene of a wild goose in nature, is made of brass, shakudo and silver. Shakudo is a uniquely Japanese alloy, typically composed of 93% to 97% copper and 3% to 7% gold. It results in a metal that has an alluring, satiny black finish.
-This Edo era tsuba is prominently signed by the artist, “Jiseitei Sadatsune”. The traditional craftsmen who produced these works of art did not hesitate to sign particularly fine examples of their craft. A signed tsuba is an indicator of quality, and will command a higher price than a similar, but unsigned, tsuba.
-This breathtaking tsuba is in excellent condition, especially considering it might be over 200 years old.
-The item is sold by an experienced Japanese antiques dealer, and ship straight from Tokyo, Japan.
-The quality of this tsuba is simply breathtaking. The level of naturalistic detail coupled with the skillful use of multi-colored alloys is consistent with the finest Japanese tsuba work from this period. Honestly, the asking price of only $550 seems a bit low to me.
Cons:
-Earlier in Japanese history, during the Warring States period, tsuba were fully functional battle gear. However, after the consolidation of all political power by the Tokugawa shogunate in 1603, peace reigned. Therefore, tsuba became strictly ceremonial items. Daimyo (lords) and samurai then commissioned lavishly decorated tsuba to advertise their high social status. So this tsuba specimen would almost certainly not have been involved in any battles or duels.
-There is really very little negative to say about this antique samurai tsuba. The price is attractive, the design is magnificently executed and it is signed. I suppose you could argue that it wasn’t crafted by a renowned tsuba artist, but that is a fairly weak criticism.
