Silver Tsuba

[Jamie]

Any thoughts on this Tsuba?

Sukashi?

An Oni I believe. I'd guess Edo period.

There is a lot of finely carved lines in the hair and face that may not show in these pictures.

 

Thanks for any thoughts.

 

Jamie

[Curran]

Looks more like a Japanese rendering of a tiger in the fuzzy photo.

More interesting than an Oni.

 

Softer metal, looks carved instead of cut.

[Mark Green]

Isn't that a shishi over a waterfall.

Very common theme.

Are those spots inlayed shakudo? That would be way cool!

Try to take some better pics Jamie. That is a real nice looking tsuba. I for one would like to see it.

Mark G

[Jamie]

I think it is a Shishi over a waterfall. Thank you

Tiger made sense too, but there's definitely a waterfall.

Mark, the spots are inlaid. The detail in in the work is amazing. I will try to get better pictures.

 

Thanks to both of you.

 

Jamie

[Bazza]

Do the inlaid spots suggest a leopard rather than a tiger???

 

BaZZa.

[Basho12]

Keep in mind that the tiger isn't native to Japan and very few people there had ever seen one. I lean toward tiger, especially since the effect with the waterfall is rather like "tiger in a thicket," which was a common motif.

 

It's a gorgeous piece, regardless.

[sanjuro]

Jamie.

I think the curly tail on the animal gives it away as a shishi. They are often depicted as having spots also.

[Jamie]

I agree Keith, I think Mark nailed the theme. Especially after taking some time and looking at other depictions of ShiShi. The carving in the tail and face also help give it away as Shishi. I'll try and get better pictures of the details soon.

I'm not so familiar with themes yet. My studies have been mostly on blades, schools, and smiths.

 

Thanks

Jamie