Sword Guard (Tsuba) with Fence and Flower (Cleveland Museum of Art 1915.91)
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
c. 1615–1868
An inscription on one side of this sword guard states that the maker went by the first name of Masafusa, and worked in the historical province of Musashi. This area includes modern Tokyo.
Cleveland Museum of Art object 1915.91: Sword Guard (Tsuba) with Fence and Flower, c. 1615–1868. Japan, possibly Edo period (1615-1868). Iron; diameter: 7 cm (2 3/4 in.). Inscribed: 武州住正房 (Transliteration: Bushū Ju Masafusa Translation: Masafusa residing in the province of Musashi). Details are those of this museum object; how far it represents a wider type has not been independently verified.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 2
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Historical context
The signature could be that of Itō Masafusa, or added later by someone else as an attribution.
Physical characteristics
- Materials
- iron
- Dimensions
- Diameter: 7 cm (2 3/4 in.)
- Measurements
- Diameter: 7 cm (2 3/4 in.)
- Material and technique
- iron
Design
- Inscription
- 武州住正房 (Transliteration: Bushū Ju Masafusa Translation: Masafusa residing in the province of Musashi)
Identification
- Date recorded
- c. 1615–1868
- Culture period
- Japan, possibly Edo period (1615-1868)
- Holding institution
- Cleveland Museum of Art
- Museum object number
- 1915.91
- Museum classification
- Arms and Armor
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
- Research required: this record describes a single museum object; confirm school, maker signature and date against tsuba references.