A FINE GOTO-SCHOOL GOLD-INLAID SHAKUDO TSUBA WITH TIGERS AND BAMBOO

Sold for €2,149

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Lot details

Signed with a kakihan and inscribed koko
Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

Of tate-maru-gata (oval) form with one hitsu, carved partly in openwork depicting two tigers, presumably a mother and her young, in a bamboo grove, all on a fine nanako ground. The larger tiger is peeking out from a hole in the tsuba (or a clearing in the forest), with most of its body, showing finely incised fur patterns, on the reverse. The tigers and bamboo are worked in takazogan with gold and copper. The inscription koko means “tiger and shine”. Signed with the artist’s kakihan.

SIZE 6.7 x 6.2 cm
WEIGHT 102.1 g

Condition: Good condition with traces of wear, minor dents and scratches, and one hairline on the edge near the larger tiger.
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.