Description A SHIBUICHI TSUBA WITH TIGER AND BAMBOO
Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
Of tate-maru-gata (oval) form with one hitsu, worked in takazogan in copper and gold depicting a tiger amongst bamboo and seated on a rock on the obverse, with more bamboo on the reverse.
SIZE 6.5 x 5.9 cm
WEIGHT 92.4 g
Condition: Excellent condition with minor surface wear and few small dents.
Provenance: French private collection.
The motif take no tora (tiger in bamboo) is a symbol for strength and resilience, embodying the spirit of the samurai warrior. The tiger has a strong nature, is flexible and resilient like the bamboo, but it is also said that the strong tiger is looking for shelter underneath the bamboo, as any earthly power is inferior to the forces of nature. Moreover, the tiger and bamboo represent the power of faith in Buddhism.