An unusual copper tsuba
Otsuki School, 19th century
Of oval form with gilt mimi, bearing an ishime ground carved in takabori and inlaid in gold takazogan with two crabs climbing a woven fence among reeds, another crab by a stream on the reverse, signed Ryusai saku.
7.3cm (2 7/8in).
FOOTNOTES
鐔　蘆に蟹　銘「龍齋作」　19世紀

Provenance: W.W. Winkworth collection, 1961.