HARA KAZUTOMO: A SUPERB SHAKUDO NANAKO TSUBA WITH WRITHING DRAGON

Sold for €1,690

including Buyer’s Premium

Lot details

By Hara Kazutomo, signed Hara Kenkosai Kazutomo with kakihan
Japan, Omori school, c. 1830, Edo period (1615-1868)

The shakudo marugata tsuba with a kogai and kozuka hitsu-ana bearing a masterfully chiseled nanako ground all around, worked in takazogan with a sinuously writhing dragon amongst dense clouds and above crashing waves with inlaid gold dew drops, the tongue and eyes of the dragon as well in gilt. Signed to the front HARA KENKOSAI KAZUTOMO with the artist’s kakihan (cursive monogram).

HEIGHT 7.6 cm, LENGTH 7.1 cm
WEIGHT 203 g

Condition: Excellent condition with only minor rubbing to the surface and some light scratches as are to be expected.

The artist is listed in the Haynes Index of Japanese Sword Fittings and Associated Artists on p. 629 (H 03045.0) and is assumed to be the brother of Omori Hidetomo (H 01173.0). He was a remarkable craftsman with a superb skill in the nanako technique.

Auction comparison:
Compare a related tsuba by the same artist at Bonhams, Fine Japanese and Korean Works of Art, 18 March 2015, New York, lot 3196 (sold for 2,750 USD).