- Tsuba - Rabbits & waves Shakudo, Ko-Kinko

Edo-period Kinkō Tsuba – Rabbits on Waves (Usagi ni Nami)

This finely executed Edo-period (18th century) kinkō tsuba is a highly decorative example of mixed-metal work combining shakudō, brass, silver, gold, and lacquer. The guard is of mokko-gata form with a softly rounded outline, encircled by a subtly raised brass fukurin, lending both visual definition and protection to the rim.

The design depicts rabbits (usagi) playfully arranged among stylized rolling waves, a motif associated with longevity, fertility, cleverness, and resilience, as well as poetic allusions to the moon and the passage of time. The waves are rendered in deep relief with rhythmic carving, creating a strong sense of movement and contrast against the darker ground.

The base plate is predominantly shakudō, finished to a rich, dark patina. The rabbits are worked in a combination of shakudō, silver, and gold, with carefully differentiated surfaces and selective gilding to highlight ears, eyes, and fur details. Fine gold accents punctuate the composition, while discreet use of lacquer enhances depth and tonal variation, an advanced decorative touch typical of refined Edo-period metalwork.

The carving shows confident takabori with clean undercutting, and the inlays are neatly fitted, indicating skilled workmanship by a professional kinkō artisan, likely active in an urban center such as Kyōto or Edo. The overall balance between negative space, relief carving, and mixed-metal contrast reflects mature Edo aesthetics—decorative yet controlled, playful yet elegant.

Dimension
83,5 × 85,8 × 4,1 mm (4,7 mm at the thickest), weight 119 g