AN IRON, COPPER AND GOLD TSUBA DEPICTING FUDO AND …AN IRON, COPPER AND GOLD TSUBA DEPICTING FUDO AND COMPANIONUnsigned, tsuba, iron, copper and gold Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A tsuba of mokkogata shape with one hitsu, showing a figural depiction in takazogan re-lief on both sides. A waterfall crashing down a cliff and a flamboyantly dressed figure with dense, black hair trying to tear it apart. It is Fudo, the god of waterfalls, who is presumably trying to rescue Endo Morito here – a complex story. Endo had unwittingly murdered his lover Kesa and wanted to repent under a waterfall, during the winter, causing Endo to almost freeze to death. Two companions, one beating the drum framed by flames (mitsudomo-e) and the other playing on a flute. The other side shows a cockerel and a fire. HEIGHT 7.5 cmProvenance: German private collection. condition: Excellent condition with minor signs of wear.