Lot of 3 Japanese Tsubas with Folkloric Motifs

1.) 2.4" x 2.7". Pierced iron tsuba carved in high relief depicting the tale of Shiba Onko, the Kanewari. Obverse side depicts Shiba Onko standing to the right of the Tsuba, tucked against the Kogai Hitsu-Ana, having shattered one side of the enormous pot that makes up most of the ground. The Nakago-Ana (Cut for blade) serves as the hole broken into the pot with engraved patterns depicting water erupting from the hole and carrying the drowning child to safety just below the Kozuka Hitsu-Ana. Both children feature red Shakudo faces and hands with details to their garments in gold. Gold bubbles applied to the water flowing out of the pot.

2.) 2.5" x 2.75". Sentoku Maru Gata pattern Tsuba engraved with a scene of a farmer with Shakudo face and hands reclining beside a river and partaking in autumnal Tsukimi (Moon Viewing). Obverse side is pierced with the design of a tree with empty branches and gold bark. Gold and black finished Shakudo leaves litter the ground with the moon and details of the hoe in silver. Reverse side shows some further leaves over a grassy field flowing below the Nakago-Ana.

3.) 2.6" x 2.75". Iron Maru Gata pattern tsuba engraved with a woven pattern overall and decorated on the obverse side with a monk approaching a potted plant. The monk's robes and the plant's flowers and leaves are decorated with gold. Tangled golden branches and leaves emerge from the pack at the monk's back, with the monk's posture suggesting he is looking over his shoulder.

This lot is located in Cincinnati.

1.) Good to Very Good. Item shows some light pitting on the outer rim. Retains a deep browned finish with oxidation forming with in details and seams. Some residues to the Shakudo faces with gold details showing signs of rubbing or flaking off.

2.) Good to Fine. Item shows some tarnish to the silver and retains fine details to the engraving. Gold shows some weakening on the outer details. The right edge appears to have been dented inward at some point.

3.) Fine. Item retains its deep brown finish with strong details to the engraving. Some light losses to the gold on the edges.

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Arms, Armor and Militaria

Lot of 3 Japanese Tsubas with Folkloric Motifs

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