Mumei attributed to Kyo Kinko Sixteen Shishi Tsuba
十六疋獅子図鐔　無銘　京金工
Item TS015

  • Period: Edo Period

  • Designation: Hozon

  • Signature: Mumei attributed to Kyo Kinko 無銘　京金工

  • Tsuba: Sixteen Shishi Tsuba 十六疋獅子図鐔

    • Length：Vertical 6.9cm x Horizontal 6.5cm

    • Thickness of rim:　0.49cm

Price: ¥ 350,000

ORDER

This is a fine Edo period shakudō tsuba attributed to the Kyō Kinkō tradition, featuring an elaborate design of sixteen shishi, or Chinese guardian lions. The shishi are distributed dynamically around the surface of the tsuba, each individually rendered in lively poses and highlighted in gold, creating a striking contrast against the deep black colour of the shakudō ground.

The plate is formed in nade kakugata, a softly rounded rectangular shape, and finished with a finely worked nanako ji ground. The shishi are executed in sukidashi takabori, with extensive gold iroe bringing definition and richness to the design. A gold fukurin surrounds the rim, further enhancing the refined appearance of the piece.

Overall, this is an attractive and highly decorative example of Kyō Kinkō workmanship, combining a rich shakudō nanako ground, extensive gold decoration, and a lively composition of sixteen shishi.