Bidspirit auction | Exceptional Japanese Mixed Metal Tsuba

Exceptional Japanese Mixed Metal Tsuba - Fantastic iron tsuba with a patinated surface, worn window with separately attached bars wrapped in gold leading to a lower floral decoration. The detailing exquisite with the gold roping wrapping having details of the rope, vining ivy leaf's veins, and a relief set Snail. Iron bars in bronze, rope in gold, vines in gold, snail in bronze, ivy leaf's in gold and bronze. Signed with 4-Character Japanese mark. Size 2 5/8” W Craftsmanship of tsuba reached its zenith during the Edo period (17th to 19th centuries), with skilled artisans known as tsubashi dedicating themselves to the craft. Tsuba were not only functional but also served as a status symbol and a way for samurai to express their individuality and taste. Includes custom box.