YASUCHIKA: A LARGE NARA IRON TSUBA WITH ELEPHANT
Signed YasuchikaJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)An oval tsuchimeji plate carved with a design of a caparisoned elephant decorated in silver and gold nunomezogan, the wrinkly skin of the elephant is achieved very well. The backside with fine clouds in gold nunomezogan and a lengthy inscription relating to the arrival of the elephant in Japan, on a shikishi. Signed YASUCHIKA. The two hitsu are filled.SIZE 8.3 x 7.5 cmCondition: Good condition with age-related surface wear and oxidation to the copper fillings of the hitsu.Provenance: Old French private collection.Auction comparison: Compare to an almost identical tsuba sold by Bonhams, The Paul Goodman Collection of Japanese arrowheads, swords and fittings, 20 October 2015, New York, lot 100.