Page 67 - Fine Japanese Art October 28, 2020 Galerie Zacke

53 | A FINE GOLD-INLAID
SHAKUDO TSUBA WITH
COCKERELS
Japan, 19th century, Edo period
(1615-1868)

Of aoi-gata (hollyhock shape) form with one
plugged hitsu, the shakudo plate with a
finely grained texture, worked in takazogan
with gold details depicting two roosters
amid bamboo, with a diamond-patterned
screen on one side indicating they are in an
enclosed space, likely a chicken pen. The
reverse shows a small stream with a bush
and bamboo.
SIZE 5.5 x 5.0 cm
WEIGHT 57.5 g
Condition: Excellent condition with minor
surface wear.
Provenance: French private collection.
Estimate EUR 1,200
Starting price EUR 600

54 | A SHIBUICHI TSUBA WITH
TIGER AND BAMBOO

Japan, 19th century, Edo period
(1615-1868)

Of tate-maru-gata (oval) form with one
hitsu, worked in takazogan in copper and
gold depicting a tiger amongst bamboo and
seated on a rock on the obverse, with more
bamboo on the reverse.
SIZE 6.5 x 5.9 cm
WEIGHT 92.4 g
Condition: Excellent condition with minor
surface wear and few small dents.
Provenance: French private collection.
The motif take no tora (tiger in bamboo)
is a symbol for strength and resilience,
embodying the spirit of the samurai
warrior. The tiger has a strong nature, is
flexible and resilient like the bamboo, but it
is also said that the strong tiger is looking
for shelter underneath the bamboo, as any
earthly power is inferior to the forces of
nature. Moreover, the tiger and bamboo
represent the power of faith in Buddhism.

Estimate EUR 1,500
Starting price EUR 750

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