Sword Guard (Tsuba) Depicting an Arrangement of Masks (面散図鐔)

Japanese

Not on view

This tsuba shows what appears to be an arrangement of masks (men, 面), with a copper lion mask on the obverse and a fox mask on the reverse. In addition, we see one circular recess on each side which is filled with jade and a flower-like copper/jade element on the obverse. The rim is carved into several segments. The reverse also features a banner which bears the inscription "Kikusuiken + monogram," although the relevant sources do not list any sword fittings maker using this art name.

With the lion and fox masks being featured in the Nō plays Shakkyō (石橋) and Kokaji (小鍛冶) respectively, and the name Kikusuiken alluding to the play Kikujidō (菊慈童), the motif of this tsuba could be a general allusion to Nō.

Sword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) Depicting an Arrangement of Masks (面散図鐔), Iron, copper, silver, jade, gold, copper-gold alloy (shakudō), Japanese

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Obverse

Sword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) Depicting an Arrangement of Masks (面散図鐔), Iron, copper, silver, jade, gold, copper-gold alloy (shakudō), Japanese
Sword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) Depicting an Arrangement of Masks (面散図鐔), Iron, copper, silver, jade, gold, copper-gold alloy (shakudō), Japanese

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