Nanban Tsuba Christian Orb

This beautiful sword guard features a typical Chinese design, but the "kozuka hitsu-ana" and "kogai hitsu-ana" tell us that this example was likely made in Japan and for Japanese use. Due to the fact that Christianity was officially banned until 1873, some people secretly showed their religious preference in small details, such as on "netsuke" or sword hilts. This tsuba is an example with a Christian orb at the top and a cross on the left and right. This orb was placed in place of a flaming bead that the two dragons usually hunt of Chinese Buddhist origin. The openwork of this tsuba is very detailed. Some buckles are cross-hatched and gilded, all in the typical Canton style, but probably made in Japan. The edge of this tsuba has a ribbed structure and 99% of the gilding is still intact.

Condition: Excellent condition, due to its age slight traces of rust on the interior parts, but not active. The golden damascenement is still in very good condition and shows very slight traces of use. A tiny fracture at the bottom left. Dimensions: Contours: 7.1 x 7.5 cm Thickness: 5 mm. Comparable examples: – A similar tsuba, but of minor quality and condition, is held at the Victoria & Albert Museum. (accession number m.194-193)