A pair of dragons chase each other through the sea.

[Mario Tod]

For today I present you this piece.

Two dragons chase each other through the sea. One has already lost its tail to the aggressions of the other.

There are traces of gold inlay here and there including some quite charming gold tenzogan. As with my other dragon piece I have no illusions that this is a masterpiece but it was the second tsuba to come into my possession

so it forms part of a growing awareness of the form and the mark making of the craft. Does anyone have any particular insights as to the narrative of the two dragons or any other observations with regard to place or date for this.

Thanks guys.

[Matsunoki]

Mario, some of the designs on these complex tsuba can take a bit of working out but I think both dragons still have their tails intact? (See red circles) The damage (if I’m looking at the right area) seems to be on a dragons face??

if you Google “Japanese Dragons” you will get all the mythological background that you’d ever need! Many many legends etc including the one that is suggested by one of your dragons having a Ken blade in its tail. 
 

[SteveM]

It's a male and female dragon. The male has a sword for a tail, the female doesn't. It is a common theme, but right now when I search for other examples I can only pull up images from dodgy auction sites and Pinterest.

[Spartancrest]

12 hours ago, SteveM said:

right now when I search for other examples I can only pull up images from dodgy auction sites and Pinterest.

Hey me too! What happened to the internet! 

 

Lucky I found something I had prepared earlier. Male and female dragons, head to tail with and without the 'ken' tail depending on sex. Sorry the resolution is not great.

 

The two rather jagged edged examples must have had rims or they would surely have been hand and clothing rippers? 

[Deez77]

Gentlemen,

 

In lieu of the internet not cooperating, I'm happy to offer up an exquisite example to illustrate the point.

 

 

Damon

[Mario Tod]

A male and a female! What great symbolism. Thanks for the education guys🙏

[Tcat]

Nice examples. Maybe a forumite can confirm if it's true that in the case of tsuba and other tosogu, animals depicted with open mouths are to be taken as female?

[Winchester]

Alex, that is true from the materials I have read.

[Guest KabirSim]

On 2/7/2024 at 3:07 PM, KabirSim said:

What a captivating piece you've presented! The imagery of two dragons chasing each other through the sea is both dynamic and evocative. The detail you've described, like the gold inlay and tenzogan, adds a touch of charm to the artwork. It's fascinating to see how each element contributes to the overall narrative of the piece.

 

By the way, have you ever considered incorporating (stupid spam link removed) into your collection? I recently came across some stunning designs that could complement your piece beautifully. They're not just decorations; they're timeless symbols of strength and mystique.

[Brian]

You waste your time here with these stupid spam registrations. Who do you think you're fooling? A lot of work to be able to post a spam link for 3 minutes.
Bye....