18th to early 19th century iron Japanese sword tsuba inlaid with branches of maple tree with leaves turning yellow and red, roots and cresting waves below, design continuing on the back . Wonderful work with brass and copper inlays, precise detailing and well captured mood of contemplation and autumnal melancholy. The plate has a dark brown patina, overall in great condition. Maple Height 2.84 inches.
19th century iron sukashi Japanese sword tsuba for tanto with design of a turtle with a very long tale. The subject may be a minogame (turtle with a long tail made from seaweed and algae accumulated from many years leaving in the sea) or a directional animal - the Black Snake-Tortoise of the North. Clever design and nice detailed work (see its carapace), a bit of rust, overall in very good condition. Height 2.16 inches.
A rare and beautiful Japanese KOZUKA KNIFE HANDLE of a by-knife that is part of a sword mounting. It is kept in a slot on the reverse side of a Kattana Scabbard, often with a matching Kogai. It depicts the Gatekeepers arm-wrestling, EDO PERIOD (1603-1868). Shakudo alloy with GOLD decorated appliqué of the Guardian Kings AGYO and UNGYO.
Size: 9.5 cm x 1.4 cm.
Iron tsuba in the shape of a chrysanthemum (kikugata), openworked in negative with foliage and geometric patterns.
Chrysanthemum shaped tsuba were quite popular in the Edo period as the flower was considered a symbol of nobility and elegance. Kikugata are often openworked in negative. This creates intricate and delicate patterns that reflect the level of sophistication and refinement of the craftsmen.
Japan – Edo period (1603-1868)
Width: 2.9 in...
Ovoid-shaped (nagamarugata) iron tsuba hammered and chased with medallions. On one side, medallions of a dragon with gold highlights and a komainu (or shishi – lion dog guarding the temple). On the other one, a medallion of waves and clouds with gold highlights
Tanaka school
Japan – Edo period (1603-1868)
Width: 3.1 in. (8 cm) – depth: 3.3 in. (8.5 cm)
18th century or earlier unsigned iron Japanese sword tsuba depicting four scholars and an attendant boy in a bamboo grove. Nicely designed piece with copper, bronze and silver inlays with gilding, old deterioration to both top and bottom part, but the design and detailing is there - see their faves and robe patterns. Great example of early work. Height 3.14 inches.
Antique Japanese pair of armor boxes. Made of kiri (paulownia) wood and lacquered a deep reddish orange color with black details. Iron hardware including carrying handles. The crest is that of two crossing hawk feathers (Takanoha), possibly the crest of the Abe Clan. The Abe Clan (安倍氏, Abe-shi) was a samurai family that was close to the Tokugawa shogunate.
Age: Edo Period (1603-1867)
Dimensions: 19 1/2" high x 14 3/4" wide x 14 1/4" deep (each box)
Iron tsuba inlaid in nunomé zogan (damascened) of gold of different colors. Japanese work from the Edo period 18°-19° century, the artist's signature should give a precise date of creation. The scene finely cut in iron shows us a medieval fight on a bridge, perhaps that of Uji near Nara...
Of Hon-kozane Ni-mai-do type composed of thin bands with multicolored silk lacing. A 62-plates Akoda-nari suji-kabuto in brown iron, signed Myochin Yoshihiza. A finely chiseled bronze and gilt brass tehen with 5 levels. The golden brass kuwagata dai is carved with a floral decoration. The fukigaeshi are covered with leather and 6 rivets. The mabizashi is also covered with leather and silk strap, riveted and fukurin. The shikoro is imposing with 4 blades...
Antique Japanese jingasa (samurai hat) with Ōgi (folding fan) crest. Covered in black lacquer with the mon in gold. The underside is lacquered red and still has remnants of the original silk padding. With a custom metal stand.
The samurai class in feudal Japan, as well as their retainers and footsoldiers (ashigaru), used several types of jingasa made from iron, copper, wood, paper, bamboo, or leather...
Antique Japanese 8 ken (plates) jingasa hat for a ashigaru foot soldier. Made of iron and finished with lacquer. The wear on this helm is consistent with it likely having been worn in battle...
18th century Japanese sword iron tsuba with pierced “thousand shrimp” design and brass inlay of twisted rope. Excellent piece with numerous perforations requiring enormous amount of work, precise detailing, dark brown patina, in excellent condition. Height 3.15 inches.
18th century Japanese sword iron tanto tsuba with brass inlays of autumn leaves blown by the wind. Very good piece with gilding, precise detailing and overall mood of contemplation and melancholy. The plate has a dark brown patina, in excellent condition. Height 2.13 inches.
18th century Japanese iron sword kashira (metal pommel at the end of the hilt) with inlaid brass dragonfly. Crisp detailed work with fine veining on its wings, wonderful feel of age. Very clever and neat piece. Length 1.46 inches.
18th century Japanese iron sword kashira (metal pommel at the end of the hilt) with design of a dragon in flight. Wonderful work with brass inlays, great feel of age. Length 1.43 inches.
Early 19th century iron Japanese sword set of fuchi (bordering piece between the sword guard and the handle) and kashira (metal pommel at the end of the hilt of a sword) with relief design, respectively, of rhinoceros beetle by ivy leaves, and a spider in its web. Excellent quality work with multimetal inlays, great design, beautiful wear and patina. Kashira length 1.33 inches, fuchi length 1.46 inches.
Early 19th century iron Japanese sword fuchi (bordering piece between the sword guard and the handle) with inlaid multimetal design of a boar running among pine trees. Excellent quality work with gilding and copper and silver inlays. Length 1.5 inches.
Pair of early 19th century menuki - Japanese sword fittings - each depicting a wasp in different attitude on a tube containing their eggs. Great design, beautiful casting and detailing, wonderful patina. Length 1.4 inches.