Namban Alphabet Tsuba
TS0545
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An important and rare early Namban tsuba, dating from the first half of the seventeenth century. Interestingly decorated with European script on the reverse, some letters serifed, others not, and the P omitted. Udadaki ana, something generally found in Satsuma guards, and an extra piercing, perhaps to balance the design. A seppa dai only on the omote. The plate is exceptionally good, not what I generally associate with Namban work. The nunome is intact. 6.88 cm x 6.48 cm x 3 mm. Boxed $1,050