TOSHITSUGU: A SUPERB SUAKA TSUBA WITH A SNAKE AND LOOFAH GOURD, WITH NBTHK TOKUBETSU KICHO (ESPECIALLY PRECIOUS) CERTIFICATE
Lot 56 - JPN1225

By Toshitsugu, signed Toshitsugu
Japan, mid to late 19^th century

Published & Exhibited: Samouraïs. Guerriers et esthètes, Bibliothèque Nationale et Universitaire, Strasbourg, 11 March-13 July 2022, p. 162, no. 175.

Of tateitomakigata form, the refined copper plate of ishimeji ground, decorated in gold and iro-e takazogan to depict a snake beneath a long gourd hanging from vines, flanked by two sparrows. The reverse with two edamame pods on a leafy vine and signed TOSHITSUGU.

HEIGHT 9.2 cm, LENGTH 7.6 cm
WEIGHT 219.8 g

Provenance: Ex-collection Patrick Liebermann. Patrick Liebermann (1948–2023) was a passionate collector of tsuba (Japanese sword guards). His journey began in 1970 when he unknowingly purchased his first tsuba, unaware it was a sword fitting—an encounter that sparked a lifelong dedication. Over the course of more than fifty years, Liebermann assembled an impressive collection of 450 pieces, always prioritizing quality over quantity. Rather than adhering strictly to specific schools, periods, or types such as sukashi or kinko, he was guided by the thematic content of each piece. His acquisitions were often made directly in Japan, with a discerning eye for originality and artistic merit. A selection of his collection was exhibited at the Bibliothèque Universitaire in Strasbourg in 2022, offering a glimpse into his refined and deeply personal approach to collecting.
Condition: Very good condition with minor wear.

With a tokubetsu kicho (especially precious) certificate of the NBTHK, dated 1 October 1977, with a snake and loofah motif, signed Toshi Tsugu, and of copper.

This design featuring a loofah gourd became popular in the latter half of the 19th century and was taken up by metalworkers, many of whom had previously specialized in sword fittings. Following the 1876 Sword Abolishment Edict, which restricted the public wearing of swords, demand for such fittings sharply declined. In response, many artisans turned their attention to decorative arts, using organic forms like gourds and vines to showcase their exceptional technical skill. The sinuous lines and layered surfaces provided opportunities for intricate detailing, including inlays of gold for leaves and tendrils. These works were often created with an eye toward international audiences, especially after Japan’s opening to the West. A sublime example by the celebrated metalworker Shoami Katsuyoshi (1832–1908), also previously a maker of sword fittings, was sold at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 16 May 2019, London, lot 190, for GBP 125,062.

Auction comparison:
Compare a related iron tsuba with an egret and bird, signed Toshitsugu, 19^th century, 9.9 cm tall, at Bonhams, 18 May 2023, London, lot 287 (sold for GBP 3,570 or approx. EUR 4,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing).