Description:

East Asia, Japan, Edo era, ca. 18th to 19th century CE. A beautiful iron tsuba, the hand guard from a traditional Japanese sword, cast with openwork motifs of cranes and tree branches around the "Nakago-ana" opening for the blade's tang. The crane and branch details are washed with a 7% to 13.7% gold gilt (equivalent to 2K+ to 3K+). The tang opening is a keyhole shape which shows clear signs of use and wear, and is flanked by a pair of decorative holes, one with a small protrusion on one side (Kogai hitsu-ana) and one without (Kozuka hitsu-ana). Size: 2.8" L x 2.65" W (7.1 cm x 6.7 cm) gold quality: 7% to 13.7% (equivalent to 2K+ to 3K+)

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 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. Later pieces, such as this, were entirely iron with precious metals such as gold, silver, and copper added to the surface.

Provenance: private Rochester, Michigan, USA collection

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#182639

  • Condition: Chips and abrasions around main opening from use / age and loss to copper "seki-gane" insert in the main opening. Light gold wash in areas. Dark patina to iron.

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November 30, 2023 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
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$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