Bronze Mokka Gata Tsuba with paulownia decoration, Meiji period

This Japanese tsuba, or sword guard, is crafted from bronze and follows the mokka gata (melon-shaped or four-lobed) form. Dating to the Meiji period, the object features a distinct textured surface achieved through a stippled ground.

The central design element is a raised paulownia flower motif, which is rendered in relief against the stippled background. The piece includes the traditional central aperture for the sword blade (nakago-ana) and a secondary opening (hitsu-ana). The tsuba measures 2.5 inches in length. Its construction demonstrates the classic utilitarian and aesthetic function of Japanese sword furniture, where protective plates were often decorated with botanical motifs representative of various lineages or cultural symbolism.

The bronze exhibits a warm patina, highlighting the sculptural quality of the raised floral elements and the precision of the stippled surface work, characteristic of period metalwork intended for both functional use and visual appreciation as a decorative art object.