Tsuba (sword guard) decorated with phoenixes

Anonymous artist (Heianjō (Kyōto) style)

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This sword guard is patinated and decorated in damascening in the Kyōto style and the small hairline engraving kebori, which was also characteristic of Kyōto workshops. The motif is phoenixes, mythological birds of eternal life.

date:	17th century
measurements:	height 8,8 cm width 8,4 cm
material:	Iron, brass
technique:	Heianjō zōgan, kebori
inscription:	unsigned
inventory number:	Vu 3767
gallery collection:	Collection of Asian and African Art