Antique Japanese Eizui Signed Mixed-Metal Tsuba Depicting Liu Bei Crossing the Tan Stream | Edo Period, Circa 1840

Historique de provenance et de propriété
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Acquired from the Fine Arts Department of Mitsukoshi Ltd., Nihombashi Store, Tokyo, Japan, on June 14, 1990. Mitsukoshi’s Nihombashi flagship is one of Japan’s most prestigious historic department stores, with longstanding departments devoted to Japanese fine art, traditional crafts, and decorative objects.

The accompanying Mitsukoshi identification card records the object as:

“Tsuba — Eizui (英随) — circa 1840 — ¥70,000.”

The original Mitsukoshi receipt records a pre-tax price of ¥67,762, consumption tax of ¥2,032, and a total purchase price of ¥69,794. A handwritten Canadian conversion identifies the purchase as approximately $595 CAD, calculated at ¥100 to $0.85 CAD.

The accompanying business card identifies Aoyama Tanio (青山谷男) of the Mitsukoshi Nihombashi Fine Arts Department at 1-4-1 Nihombashi Muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo.

The paperwork additionally describes the object in English as a “Samurai riding a horse and holding a weapon in his right hand — Bronze & Gold.” This early documentation preserves the attribution to Eizui and the circa 1840 date supplied by Mitsukoshi at the time of purchase.

Subsequently sold through Waddington’s Auctioneers & Appraisers, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Established in 1850, Waddington’s describes itself as Canada’s original auction house and has long maintained specialist departments devoted to Asian and international art.

$2,750.00
$2,750.00
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This is a one-of-a-kind historical object. Once sold, this exact piece will not be restocked.
Antique Japanese Eizui tsuba circa 1840 with mounted warrior design, Mitsukoshi receipt and original identification card
Antique Japanese Eizui tsuba circa 1840 shown rotating to reveal the mounted warrior and horse relief, mixed-metal inlay, signature and pine tree reverse decoration
Signed Eizui Japanese sword guard displayed in fitted wooden collector’s box with textile-covered cushion
Late Edo Japanese mixed-metal tsuba with mounted warrior and horse relief displayed on green textile cushion
Antique Japanese tsuba signed Eizui with gold and silver inlay and warrior riding a horse through turbulent waves
Reverse of circa 1840 Eizui tsuba showing pine tree decoration with gold accents on patinated copper alloy
Close-up of Japanese Eizui tsuba showing mounted warrior, horse, wave detail and mixed-metal relief decoration
Late Edo Eizui sword guard with central nakago-ana, kozuka-hitsu-ana and Japanese signature beside the opening
Antique Japanese tsuba with fitted wooden storage box, textile cushion and original collector presentation
Original fitted wooden storage box accompanying the circa 1840 signed Eizui Japanese tsuba
Original 1990 Mitsukoshi Nihombashi Fine Arts receipt documenting the purchase of the antique Japanese Eizui tsuba
Original Mitsukoshi Nihombashi Fine Arts Department business card for Aoyama Tanio accompanying the circa 1840 Eizui Japanese tsuba
Original Mitsukoshi identification card for Eizui tsuba dated circa 1840 with recorded price of ¥70,000
  • Antique Japanese Eizui tsuba circa 1840 with mounted warrior design, Mitsukoshi receipt and original identification card
  • Antique Japanese Eizui tsuba circa 1840 shown rotating to reveal the mounted warrior and horse relief, mixed-metal inlay, signature and pine tree reverse decoration
  • Signed Eizui Japanese sword guard displayed in fitted wooden collector’s box with textile-covered cushion
  • Late Edo Japanese mixed-metal tsuba with mounted warrior and horse relief displayed on green textile cushion
  • Antique Japanese tsuba signed Eizui with gold and silver inlay and warrior riding a horse through turbulent waves
  • Reverse of circa 1840 Eizui tsuba showing pine tree decoration with gold accents on patinated copper alloy
  • Close-up of Japanese Eizui tsuba showing mounted warrior, horse, wave detail and mixed-metal relief decoration
  • Late Edo Eizui sword guard with central nakago-ana, kozuka-hitsu-ana and Japanese signature beside the opening
  • Antique Japanese tsuba with fitted wooden storage box, textile cushion and original collector presentation
  • Original fitted wooden storage box accompanying the circa 1840 signed Eizui Japanese tsuba
  • Original 1990 Mitsukoshi Nihombashi Fine Arts receipt documenting the purchase of the antique Japanese Eizui tsuba
  • Original Mitsukoshi Nihombashi Fine Arts Department business card for Aoyama Tanio accompanying the circa 1840 Eizui Japanese tsuba
  • Original Mitsukoshi identification card for Eizui tsuba dated circa 1840 with recorded price of ¥70,000
Antique Japanese Eizui tsuba circa 1840 with mounted warrior design, Mitsukoshi receipt and original identification card
Antique Japanese Eizui tsuba circa 1840 shown rotating to reveal the mounted warrior and horse relief, mixed-metal inlay, signature and pine tree reverse decoration
Signed Eizui Japanese sword guard displayed in fitted wooden collector’s box with textile-covered cushion
Late Edo Japanese mixed-metal tsuba with mounted warrior and horse relief displayed on green textile cushion
Antique Japanese tsuba signed Eizui with gold and silver inlay and warrior riding a horse through turbulent waves
Reverse of circa 1840 Eizui tsuba showing pine tree decoration with gold accents on patinated copper alloy
Close-up of Japanese Eizui tsuba showing mounted warrior, horse, wave detail and mixed-metal relief decoration
Late Edo Eizui sword guard with central nakago-ana, kozuka-hitsu-ana and Japanese signature beside the opening
Antique Japanese tsuba with fitted wooden storage box, textile cushion and original collector presentation
Original fitted wooden storage box accompanying the circa 1840 signed Eizui Japanese tsuba
Original 1990 Mitsukoshi Nihombashi Fine Arts receipt documenting the purchase of the antique Japanese Eizui tsuba
Original Mitsukoshi Nihombashi Fine Arts Department business card for Aoyama Tanio accompanying the circa 1840 Eizui Japanese tsuba
Original Mitsukoshi identification card for Eizui tsuba dated circa 1840 with recorded price of ¥70,000
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Antique Japanese Eizui Signed Mixed-Metal Tsuba Depicting Liu Bei Crossing the Tan Stream | Edo Period, Circa 1840

Description
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Historical Context & Origin

Region: Japan
Material: Patinated copper alloy, likely sentoku or brass, with dark mixed-metal relief and gold and silver inlay; fitted wooden storage box with textile-covered cushion
Period: Late Edo period, circa 1840

Description

A finely decorated antique Japanese sword guard, or tsuba, signed Eizui (英随) and accompanied by original documentation from the Fine Arts Department of Mitsukoshi’s Nihombashi flagship store in Tokyo.

The rounded oval guard is formed from a warm golden-brown copper alloy and decorated on its principal surface with a mounted warrior riding through turbulent waves. The figure raises a riding crop or similar implement in his right hand while attempting to guide his horse through the rushing water. His armour, clothing, equipment, and facial features are rendered in dark sculptural relief and accented with gold and silver inlay.

The composition appears to represent the celebrated Chinese warlord Liu Bei, also known as Xuande, escaping his pursuers by crossing the dangerous Tan Stream on his horse Dilu. This dramatic episode from Chinese historical tradition, later incorporated into the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, became a popular subject in Japanese Edo-period art, where it symbolized courage, providential escape, perseverance, and triumph over seemingly impossible circumstances.

The reverse depicts a mature pine tree extending across the upper portion of the guard. Its deeply worked trunk and radiating clusters of pine needles are highlighted with scattered gold accents. The restrained landscape creates a symbolic counterpoint to the energetic waves and mounted warrior on the principal surface.

The guard retains its elongated central nakago-ana, through which the sword’s tang would have passed, together with a smaller kozuka-hitsu-ana for the handle of a utility knife carried within the sword’s scabbard. The inscription 英随, read as Eizui, appears beside the central opening.

Features

- Signed Eizui in Japanese characters: 英随

- Late Edo-period attribution, circa 1840

- Warm golden-brown copper-alloy plate

- Mounted warrior rendered in sculptural relief

- Likely depiction of Liu Bei crossing the Tan Stream

- Horse shown advancing through turbulent waves

- Raised riding crop or implement held in the warrior’s right hand

- Gold and silver mixed-metal accenting

- Reverse decorated with a mature pine tree

- Central nakago-ana for the sword tang

- Smaller kozuka-hitsu-ana for a utility knife

- Fitted wooden collector’s box with textile-covered cushion

- Original Mitsukoshi Fine Arts documentation dating to 1990

Cultural Significance

During the Edo period, tsuba developed beyond their practical role as protective sword guards into miniature works of metal art. Their imagery frequently drew upon Japanese history, Chinese literature, Buddhist and Daoist traditions, military epics, natural symbolism, and stories selected to reflect the sword owner’s education and personal ideals.

The scene of Liu Bei crossing the Tan Stream recounts his escape from an assassination attempt. Pursued to the edge of the swollen stream, Liu Bei urged his horse Dilu forward. The horse made an extraordinary leap across the water, allowing its rider to escape. The episode became a powerful image of perseverance, loyalty, destiny, and miraculous deliverance.

The pine tree on the reverse traditionally symbolizes longevity, endurance, steadfastness, and resilience. Because pine trees remain green throughout winter, they became enduring symbols of strength in the face of adversity, an especially appropriate complement to the dramatic escape depicted on the opposite surface.

Condition

Good antique condition consistent with age and use. The tsuba displays age-related patination, oxidation, surface rubbing, fine scratches, small abrasions, and localized wear or loss to the gold and silver decorative accents. The relief decoration remains clearly defined, the signature is legible, and the central and secondary apertures remain intact.

The fitted wooden box and textile-covered cushion exhibit minor rubbing, small marks, fraying, and general wear consistent with storage and use. The accompanying Mitsukoshi receipt, identification card, and business card display folds, creases, small tears, adhesive residue, staining, and handling wear consistent with their age.

Dimensions (Approximate)

Tsuba
Diameter: 2.5 in

Storage Box
Length: 4.5 in
Width: 4.5 in
Height: 1.6 in

Age (Approximate)

185–190 years old

Provenance

Acquired from the Fine Arts Department of Mitsukoshi Ltd., Nihombashi Store, Tokyo, Japan, on June 14, 1990. Mitsukoshi’s Nihombashi flagship is one of Japan’s most prestigious historic department stores, with longstanding departments devoted to Japanese fine art, traditional crafts, and decorative objects.

The accompanying Mitsukoshi identification card records the object as “Tsuba — Eizui (英随) — circa 1840 — ¥70,000.”

The original Mitsukoshi receipt records a pre-tax price of ¥67,762, consumption tax of ¥2,032, and a total purchase price of ¥69,794. A handwritten Canadian conversion identifies the purchase as approximately $595 CAD, calculated at ¥100 to $0.85 CAD.

The accompanying business card identifies Aoyama Tanio (青山谷男) of the Mitsukoshi Nihombashi Fine Arts Department at 1-4-1 Nihombashi Muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo.

The paperwork additionally describes the object in English as a “Samurai riding a horse and holding a weapon in his right hand — Bronze & Gold.” This early documentation preserves the attribution to Eizui and the circa 1840 date supplied by Mitsukoshi at the time of purchase.

Subsequently sold through Waddington’s Auctioneers & Appraisers, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Established in 1850, Waddington’s is a longstanding Canadian auction house with specialist departments devoted to Asian and international art.

Learn More

View a related 19th-century Japanese mixed-metal sword guard in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Explore another Antique Japanese Iron Tsuba Sword Guard with Sage and Spider

Explore our Collection of Eastern Antiquities & Cultural Relics

Description

Historical Context & Origin

Region: Japan
Material: Patinated copper alloy, likely sentoku or brass, with dark mixed-metal relief and gold and silver inlay; fitted wooden storage box with textile-covered cushion
Period: Late Edo period, circa 1840

Description

A finely decorated antique Japanese sword guard, or tsuba, signed Eizui (英随) and accompanied by original documentation from the Fine Arts Department of Mitsukoshi’s Nihombashi flagship store in Tokyo.

The rounded oval guard is formed from a warm golden-brown copper alloy and decorated on its principal surface with a mounted warrior riding through turbulent waves. The figure raises a riding crop or similar implement in his right hand while attempting to guide his horse through the rushing water. His armour, clothing, equipment, and facial features are rendered in dark sculptural relief and accented with gold and silver inlay.

The composition appears to represent the celebrated Chinese warlord Liu Bei, also known as Xuande, escaping his pursuers by crossing the dangerous Tan Stream on his horse Dilu. This dramatic episode from Chinese historical tradition, later incorporated into the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, became a popular subject in Japanese Edo-period art, where it symbolized courage, providential escape, perseverance, and triumph over seemingly impossible circumstances.

The reverse depicts a mature pine tree extending across the upper portion of the guard. Its deeply worked trunk and radiating clusters of pine needles are highlighted with scattered gold accents. The restrained landscape creates a symbolic counterpoint to the energetic waves and mounted warrior on the principal surface.

The guard retains its elongated central nakago-ana, through which the sword’s tang would have passed, together with a smaller kozuka-hitsu-ana for the handle of a utility knife carried within the sword’s scabbard. The inscription 英随, read as Eizui, appears beside the central opening.

Features

- Signed Eizui in Japanese characters: 英随

- Late Edo-period attribution, circa 1840

- Warm golden-brown copper-alloy plate

- Mounted warrior rendered in sculptural relief

- Likely depiction of Liu Bei crossing the Tan Stream

- Horse shown advancing through turbulent waves

- Raised riding crop or implement held in the warrior’s right hand

- Gold and silver mixed-metal accenting

- Reverse decorated with a mature pine tree

- Central nakago-ana for the sword tang

- Smaller kozuka-hitsu-ana for a utility knife

- Fitted wooden collector’s box with textile-covered cushion

- Original Mitsukoshi Fine Arts documentation dating to 1990

Cultural Significance

During the Edo period, tsuba developed beyond their practical role as protective sword guards into miniature works of metal art. Their imagery frequently drew upon Japanese history, Chinese literature, Buddhist and Daoist traditions, military epics, natural symbolism, and stories selected to reflect the sword owner’s education and personal ideals.

The scene of Liu Bei crossing the Tan Stream recounts his escape from an assassination attempt. Pursued to the edge of the swollen stream, Liu Bei urged his horse Dilu forward. The horse made an extraordinary leap across the water, allowing its rider to escape. The episode became a powerful image of perseverance, loyalty, destiny, and miraculous deliverance.

The pine tree on the reverse traditionally symbolizes longevity, endurance, steadfastness, and resilience. Because pine trees remain green throughout winter, they became enduring symbols of strength in the face of adversity, an especially appropriate complement to the dramatic escape depicted on the opposite surface.

Condition

Good antique condition consistent with age and use. The tsuba displays age-related patination, oxidation, surface rubbing, fine scratches, small abrasions, and localized wear or loss to the gold and silver decorative accents. The relief decoration remains clearly defined, the signature is legible, and the central and secondary apertures remain intact.

The fitted wooden box and textile-covered cushion exhibit minor rubbing, small marks, fraying, and general wear consistent with storage and use. The accompanying Mitsukoshi receipt, identification card, and business card display folds, creases, small tears, adhesive residue, staining, and handling wear consistent with their age.

Dimensions (Approximate)

Tsuba
Diameter: 2.5 in

Storage Box
Length: 4.5 in
Width: 4.5 in
Height: 1.6 in

Age (Approximate)

185–190 years old

Provenance

Acquired from the Fine Arts Department of Mitsukoshi Ltd., Nihombashi Store, Tokyo, Japan, on June 14, 1990. Mitsukoshi’s Nihombashi flagship is one of Japan’s most prestigious historic department stores, with longstanding departments devoted to Japanese fine art, traditional crafts, and decorative objects.

The accompanying Mitsukoshi identification card records the object as “Tsuba — Eizui (英随) — circa 1840 — ¥70,000.”

The original Mitsukoshi receipt records a pre-tax price of ¥67,762, consumption tax of ¥2,032, and a total purchase price of ¥69,794. A handwritten Canadian conversion identifies the purchase as approximately $595 CAD, calculated at ¥100 to $0.85 CAD.

The accompanying business card identifies Aoyama Tanio (青山谷男) of the Mitsukoshi Nihombashi Fine Arts Department at 1-4-1 Nihombashi Muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo.

The paperwork additionally describes the object in English as a “Samurai riding a horse and holding a weapon in his right hand — Bronze & Gold.” This early documentation preserves the attribution to Eizui and the circa 1840 date supplied by Mitsukoshi at the time of purchase.

Subsequently sold through Waddington’s Auctioneers & Appraisers, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Established in 1850, Waddington’s is a longstanding Canadian auction house with specialist departments devoted to Asian and international art.

Learn More

View a related 19th-century Japanese mixed-metal sword guard in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Explore another Antique Japanese Iron Tsuba Sword Guard with Sage and Spider

Explore our Collection of Eastern Antiquities & Cultural Relics

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