Edo period iron tsuba with shogi piece inlay, signed Shoami
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Edo period
This circular tsuba is a traditional Japanese sword guard crafted from plate iron, attributed to the Aizu or Kyoto Shoami school during the Edo period. The piece measures approximately 7.3 cm in height, 7.3 cm in width, and 4.2 mm in thickness.
Its primary decorative motif features inlaid shogi pieces rendered in various metals, including silver, shakudo, and copper, which provide a distinct color contrast against the iron plate. The decoration is applied to both the obverse and reverse sides, ensuring a balanced aesthetic. Notably, the reverse side includes a pawn piece depicted as a promoted piece in 'gold', highlighting the intricate artistry favored by Edo period craftsmen.
The guard is signed by Shoami, indicating its provenance within this well-regarded school of metalworkers. The combination of iron construction with multi-metal inlay demonstrates the technical skill involved in the production of functional and ornamental sword furniture of the era.
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
- Shape
- circular
- Material
- iron, silver, shakudo, copper
- Dimensions
- 7.3 cm x 7.3 cm x 4.2 mm
Design
- Motif
- shogi pieces
- Reverse
- pawn piece promoted as gold
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
- Maker named in listing
- Shoami
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.