Solid Copper Sukashi-style Wakizashi Tsuba – "water Dragon" Motif – Mumei – Late Edo Period

Solid Copper Wakizashi Tsuba –"Water Dragon" Design – Mumei

This is a collector's item that was part ofa high-quality set, combining the technical expertise of a custom fit(tailored to the blade’s grooves) with evident artistic mastery. Due to itssize, substantial weight, and iconographic theme, this tsuba isrepresentative of the refinement of wakizashi mountings from the late Samurai era.It is ideal for a collector seeking to complete a periodset or to enrich a collection of authentic Japanese art objects.

DESCRIPTION:

• Period: 18th century (late Edo period / early Meiji era)
  Material: Solid copper (Suaka) with a beautiful natural patina.
  Technique: Sukashi (openwork) withhigh-relief carving (Taka-bori)

SPECIFICATIONS:

• Dimensions: 6.7 cm x 7.2 cm
  Weight: 107 grams
  Mounting profile:Nakago-ana (central opening)hand-fitted for a Hira-zukuri-style blade (orsimilar), with specific carved grooves for the grooves (Hi / Bo-hi).The fit to the grooves (hi) correspondsto a “prestigious mounting.” This tsuba was part of ahigh-quality set.
  Signature : Mumei (unsigned). In the art of the tsuba, the absenceof a signature on high-quality pieces is very common, as priority is givento artistic expression and the precision of the technical fit to the blade. Thistsuba is valued for the evident mastery of its high-relief chiseling and thequality of its solid copper alloy.

ARTISTIC DESCRIPTION:

This tsuba featuresremarkable chiseling, depicting a dragon (Ryū) moving powerfullyamidst stylized wave scrolls.

Subject: The “Water Dragon,” a mythical creatureassociated with protection and mastery of the elements. The design utilizesopenwork (Sukashi) to create an effect of lightness and dynamic movement,typical of traditional Japanese aesthetics.

Sculpture:

The details are exceptionally fine: thescales on the body, the dragon’s facial expression, and the fluidity of the clawsare evidence of an expert craftsman’s hand.
The prominent relief (Taka-bori) offersa striking contrast with the openwork areas of the guard, accentuating therelief through a natural interplay of light and shadow.

Material andPatina: Crafted from solid copper (Suaka),the piece features a deep, uniform antique patina that has developednaturally over more than a century. The texture iswarm to the touch and attests to its indisputable historical authenticity.

CONDITION:

MartialFit: The central opening (Nakago-ana)shows signs of ancient hand-filing and a uniform interior patina,confirming that it was custom-fitted for a prestigious blade.

TechnicalContinuity: The presenceof carved grooves (Hi) within the guard itself underscoresthat this is an integral component of a historic, high-caliber mount.

Integrity: The piece shows no structural defects.The carved details are sharp, and the historical patina is well-preserved.