Japanese tsuba iron and gold "Jo and Uba, Japan Edo périod

Tsuba in cut and chiseled iron, details inlaid in solid gold and not in gilded copper as usual. The characters are excessively in relief being sculpted naturally and not flattened, which is rare. Thickness of the tsuba 4.8 mm and 9.6 mm for the characters. Diameter: 76mm.
Decor representing the old couple Jo and Uba with their broom and rake under a tree. This refers to the legend of 2 lovers who, united for life, were very happy and together became very old. They died on the same day at the same time. Their spirit lives in 2 old pine trees, one in Sumi-Yoshi and one on Taka-Sago beach; on full moon evenings, their spirits are reincarnated on this beach which they maintain by raking and sweeping the pine needles. Symbol of eternal marital happiness. Edo period of Japan. 19th century.One of the holes (mekugi-ana) was closed late by a piece of finely chiseled metal in shakudo.Shakudo is a typically Japanese alloy of copper and gold which gives a beautiful bluish-black “crow’s wing” color.
Artist: Soten