MASANAGA: A FINE SHAKUDO NANAKO TSUBA WITH AUTUMN PLANTS AND INSECTSBy Masanaga, signed Bushu no ju MasanagaJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The shakudo tsuba of marugata shape, with a kozuka and kogai hitsu-ana, bearing a superbly executed nanako ground along the rim as well, worked in glamorous iro-e takazogan of gold, copper, silver, shibuichi and shakudo depicting a praying mantis and several different crickets amongst autumn grasses and flowers. Signed to the front Bushu no ju Masanaga – possibly an Ito school artist working in the Goto style.HEIGHT 7.6 cm, LENGTH 7.1 cmWEIGHT 158 gCondition: Excellent condition with minor typical wear.