Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

Published: Patrick Liebermann, Tsuba. Itinéraires d’une collection, 2016, p. 35, no. 20.

Of tanto size and nagamarugata form, with a kozuka hitsu ana and ishimeji ground surrounding the seppa-dai, the edges with a sinuous snake detailed with finely incised scales, and gold takazogan eyes and tongue.

HEIGHT 5.7 cm, LENGTH 4.2 cm
WEIGHT 75.8 g

Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear.
Provenance: Bonhams, London, 7 November 2013, lot 207. Patrick Liebermann (1948–2023) was a passionate collector of tsuba (Japanese sword guards). His journey began in 1970 when he unknowingly purchased his first tsuba, unaware it was a sword fitting—an encounter that sparked a lifelong dedication. Over the course of more than fifty years, Liebermann assembled an impressive collection of over 200 pieces, always prioritizing quality over quantity. Rather than adhering strictly to specific schools, periods, or types such as sukashi or kinko, he was guided by the thematic content of each piece. His acquisitions were often made directly in Japan, with a discerning eye for originality and artistic merit. A selection of his collection was exhibited at the Bibliothèque Universitaire in Strasbourg in 2022, offering a glimpse into his refined and deeply personal approach to collecting.

With an NBTHK Hozon certificate (sword fitting worthy of preservation) dated 24 April 2013, categorizing the piece as an Iwamato school tsuba.