Description:

East Asia, Japan, Late Edo Period, ca. early 19th century CE. A carbon-steel tsuba, the hand guard from a traditional Japanese sword like a katana or wakizashi. The tsuba is square-shaped with rounded edges and the surface is flat, except for a brass inlay, brightly polished as representation of a seven star constellation. Below is the central triangular opening for a blade, flanked by two oval openings for attaching cords, one oval is filled with a fitted plate. The tsuba's 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, such as this piece, and symbolic of wealth, prestige, or skills of a swordsman. Size: 3.25" L x 3.345" W (8.3 cm x 8.5 cm)

Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection

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#136557

  • Condition: Old inventory label on backside. Minor surface weathering and abrasions. One opening has been filled in with a modern plate. Nice patina on brass inlay.

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October 29, 2020 10:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$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