A Sentoku Tsuba with Tiger and Bamboo
An oval, sentoku tsuba with a magnificently carved tiger, eyes piercing, crouching asymmetrically alongside a turbulent stream. Swaying bamboo, slanting rain, high relief carving and dramatic shakudo striping add to the atmospheric activity portrayed on this powerful tsuba. On the reverse, bamboo stalks shiver beneath slanting rain. ( In addition to being a member of the Chinese zodiac, the tiger, though not native to Japan, is a prominent figure in Japanese art honored for its religious significance and attributes of courage and strength.) This striking tsuba is in excellent condition with no loss and no damage. Late Edo, Period