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Sino-Tibetan Qing Tsuba
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Sino-Tibetan Qing Tsuba
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| Provenance: James L. McElhinney Elliott D. Long |
$700.00 |
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Imported Sino-Tibetan style Qing tsuba of iron with gold highlights. Incredible complex design of dragon-koi's or 'chilong' swimming in turbulent water, rendered as loukong interlacing. The dragon-koi represents the excercise of positive force. Legend has it that when the koi swimming upstream overcomes a waterfall, it becomes a dragon. These creatures are rendered at the moment of transformation, an inspiration to those after some kind of loss, or in a period of transition. The surface decoration of lotus blossom, flaming jewel on top and pagoda on the bottom are for visual appeal. The rectangular shape of the seppa-dai is to be expected on Qing guards. The carving crosses over and under and the kogai & kozuka hitsu-ana are original to the piece. The rim is gilt beading and majority of the gold remains. |
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6.6cm x 7.0cm x 0.35cm  |
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Consistant with the Qing dynasty, seems to date ca. 1750-1800. This is probably one of the guards brought to Japan by Chinese merchants to be used in the complex gift-exchange rituals required by business associates or by Japanese government officials. The sekigane and profile of the nakago-ana indicate Japanese use.  |
How to Purchase this Tsuba |
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A Collaboration of Robert E. Haynes and Elliott D. Long |
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| Return To Tsuba Collective Robert Haynes / Elliott Long Articles -- Tutorial Email elliott@shibuiswords.com |