Tsuba

Japan, 19th century

Shakudo billon, coloured enamels.

H: 8.6 cm / W: 7.8 cm

Markings: Hirata Harunari

O 355

Purchased from H. Saenger, Hamburg.

The oval tsuba is made of shakudo, a billon made of 96–90% copper and 4–10% gold. The guard is decorated with cartouches of various stylised flowers and a butterfly, executed in multicoloured cloisonné enamel.