[Untitled tsuba]

US$1,240.00

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[Untitled tsuba]

[Unidentified craftsperson].

[Japan: workshop unidentified, ca. Edo to early Meiji period (18th to mid-19th century)?].

A fascinating iron tsuba (sword guard) for a katana, forged in the late Edo to early Meiji period and decorated with books, a scroll, and flowering plants. One side depicts the fronts of the books and scroll, while the reverse shows their backs — an unusually thoughtful and playful design. The title slips of the books bear the names Sagoromo and Genji, references to two celebrated works of classical Japanese literature. Delicate gold inlay highlights the books, scroll, and surrounding foliage, while the carefully carved titles attest to the craftsperson's close attention to detail. A striking fusion of literary refinement and martial culture.

One iron tsuba. A little dulled and rubbed, inlay chipped in a few places. Diameter 7.3 cm.

[Untitled tsuba]
Price: $1,240.00 (USD)