A beautiful signed Japanese ferrule and pommel plate.

83 x 77 x 5mm
144 grams
Japan
Iron
Circa 1750
Has been mounted
Description
I love depictions of ships on tsuba, so here is another one.
A classic Choshu tsuba with designs of two large ships, probably trade junks, on a rough sea with full sails. The reverse shows a tranquil scene with what looks like calm waters and a rising sun. Three crescent moon-shaped elements on the left, I cannot place.
A very similar signed example has been sold by Grey Doffin, his is signed: "Choshu Hagi Ju Nyudo Tomoyuki". Chosu work are usually practical tsuba of hard iron, with crisp carving.
This is a large tsuba, katana-size which means whoever wore it was either probably a samurai or an outlaw.
The work is nice and crisp, and the execution has a naturalistic charm to it.
The only set of its type known to me in both private and museum collections.
A very rare Chinese saber guard dating from the height of the Qing dynasty.
Its outer surface is decorated with interlocking swastikas and family crests.
A peculiar tsuba with a depiction of Bodhidharma and two dragon chasing a pearl.