Description:

**First Time At Auction**

East Asia, Japan, later Edo period, ca. first half of 19th century CE. A finely-preserved iron tsuba of a round (maru gata) form, a disc-shaped hand guard traditionally employed on Japanese swords like the katana and wakizashi. On one side is a beautiful image of a single cherry blossom, with the flower silvered. The other side displays small bamboo leaves in one corner with two tiny dots of gilt on their surfaces. Size: 2.9" W (7.4 cm)

A tsuba is the hand guard of a traditional Japanese sword, usually a katana or tachi. Its primary purposes are to balance the sword, prevent one's hand from sliding down the blade and, as a last resort, as a block against an opponent's thrust or slash. However, as time and skills developed, the tsuba evolved into an artistic item and symbol representing wealth, prestige, or skills as a swordsman. Early tsuba, known as neri tsuba, were made of leather encased in an iron or wooden frame which was occasionally lacquered for strength and stability.

Provenance: ex-private Ft. Myers, Florida, USA collection of a prominent physician

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#143718

  • Condition: Excellent condition with light wear commensurate with age. Dark oxidized patina on surface.

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January 7, 2020 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$300 $999 $50
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$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000