Tsuba Motif - hidden dragon?

[jmoto]

Hi everyone, 

 

Was wondering if anyone had any additional information on this tsuba design here? 
 

Is this a hidden dragon motif? 
 

Jason 

[Spartancrest]

You may be correct about the interpretation - you need some good imagination though. I found this one on https://www.nihonto.com/3-2-20/  

there are some common elements when you look side by side. Perhaps other people can find something closer. The 'head' of the dragon represented by the circle in the circle reminds me of the rain dragon heads. It could at a stretch be water drops splashing in a pond causing ripples?

[Marius]

The main motif looks like a bag (full with goods), the small sukashi could be either a Cintamani (wish fulfilling jewel), or a kukurizaru.

 

You can find a bag (fukuro) on several crests and the Cimantani (hōju) in countless scrolls. 

 

I have found one painting where Hotei (bag on his shoulders) is looking at a hōju jewel:

https://blogos-haha.blogspot.com/2019/08/wish-fulfilling-vases-of-void-continued.html

 

And here is a painting with a Cimantani (hōju):

https://www.schneiblefinearts.com/shop/Japanese-asian-fine-art/Japan-old-hoju-wish-granting-jewel-scroll-hand-painted-calligraphy-signed-2/

(disclosure: I am in no way associated with the seller of this painting)

 

Kukurizaru (photo from this blog: https://www.2aussietravellers.com/walking-kyoto-ryozen-kannon/)

 

 

 

Fukuro kamon (picture stolen from Pinterest):

[vajo]

The Tsuba reminds me on that

[Bugyotsuji]

Hmmm.... a crab?

https://www.gettyimages.co.jp/detail/イラスト/black-land-crab-gecarcinus-ruricola-ロイヤリティフリーのイラスト/912102582?adppopup=true

[Marius]

Quite interesting how everyone sees something different

[Spartancrest]

It is a good piece - good art is supposed to make you think.🤔  [ has anyone got the phone number of the artist? - No? - He will know.😉]

[jmoto]

Thank you to the members that have contributed. Your insight is very much appreciated. 

 

Lots of different views on this one which is very interesting.