19th C. Japanese Edo Iron Tsuba Guard w/ Copper Inlay
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
ca. 19th century CE
East Asia, Japan, Edo to early Meiji period, ca. 19th century CE. An iron round tsuba, its form pierced with a central nakago-ana flanked by kozuka-ana, the surface decorated with a continuous copper inlay of interlocking key-fret motifs.
The intricate geometric patterning contrasts with the darkened iron ground, highlighting the refined craftsmanship of the sword fitting tradition. Functional yet decorative, this guard was used to protect the hand from sliding onto the blade and to balance the overall weight of the sword, while also serving as a medium for artistic expression. Size: 2.5" L x 2.3" W (6.4 cm x 5.8 cm) Item # 197525 Ca. 1800–1900 CE private Jacksonville, Florida, USA collection Pitting and chips to the central nakago-ana opening.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Material (listing wording)
- iron
- Dimensions or weight (listing wording)
- 6.4 cm x 5.8 cm
Identification
- Source note
- Auction-house description published on Invaluable. Attribution and measurements are the auction house’s statements about the photographed example; independent type authentication remains research required.
- Listing object ID
- 205961524
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Independent confirmation of type attribution and auction-house statements remains research required.