Ko Kinko Tsuba

This early ko kinko tsuba illustrates a wagon-wheel  or water-wheel motif.  Both hitsuana appear to be original to the design, thus making this tsuba ubu (unaltered).  The exceptional feature of this piece is the vast amount of remaining old lacquer.  The plate and sukashi are all coated in a well-preserved layer of black lacquer which is patinating to brown from age.  The brownish base metal (yamagane or bronze) and the lacquer give this tsuba a wonderful rich lustrous colour.  The scans don't do it justice.

6.8 x 6.8 x 0.25cm

Early to mid Muromachi (15th c.)