Yoshiharu

Edo Period 18th/19th century

1615-1868

Tsuba

An iron tsuba sword guard with gold inlay depicting dragons in clouds over water. This tsuba is in the Namban (“southern barbarians”) style. Chiefly made of iron and with design influences from outside of Japan. The design is typical of the well-known Chinese motif in Chinese art, the dragon in china has many meanings, such as happiness, protection or fertility and honour. In early Chinese art, the dragon was understood as a symbol of the cardinal direction east, and long associated with water. Often seen in this design on Chinese porcelain and painting of swirling dragons in clouds over turbulent waters.  

Signed Yoshiharu Saku

84mm x 78mm