Tsuba Lion and Waterfall Design
Description
Design: Lion and Waterfall Design
Mei: Ryunsai (Ryotei 良廷)
Material: Brass and Gold with Silver
Era: Meiji Period
Region: Tokyo Province
Box: Custom-made Paulownia box
Status: Hozon Tosogu (Sep 30, 2025)
[Size]
Height: 7.5cm
Width: 7.0cm
Thickness: 0.4cm
Weight: 118g
[Describe]
Antique Japanese brass tsuba signed Ryūunsai (龍雲斎), depicting a dynamic Shishi and Waterfall motif.
This piece has been certified Hozon (Preservation) by the NBTHK.
According to reference books, Ryūunsai’s real name was Nagahama Tokusaburō (also known as Ryōtei). He first studied under Jura and later became a pupil of Tōryūsai Kiyotoshi. Dated works by the artist range from 1861 (Bunkyū 1) to 1869 (Meiji 2), and records confirm he was active until at least 1887 (Meiji 20). He resided in Tokyo.
The design portrays a powerful shishi beneath a waterfall. The splashing water is skillfully expressed through silver inlay, creating a vivid sense of motion and atmosphere. The contrast between the warm brass ground and the bright silver details enhances the dramatic effect.
An expressive late Edo to early Meiji period work, combining bold composition with refined metalwork technique. A fine example for collectors of signed Japanese sword fittings.
