Tsuba

Japan, 18th–19th century

Layered metals, mokume-gane technique.

H: 7.3 cm / W: 7 cm

Markings: “Morichika”

O 362

Purchased from H. Saenger, Hamburg.

The lidded container-shaped tsuba has been made using a process called mokume-gane (“wood grain”), in which contrasting layers of metal are fused together at a high temperature. The resulting billet is then manipulated to achieve the desired wood-grain pattern. (JMl)