Edo period Japanese iron tsuba sword guard with signature and gold inlay
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1600-1700 AD, Edo period
This antique Japanese sword guard, known as a tsuba, dates to the Edo period, specifically between 1600 and 1700 AD. Designed for use with a wakizashi, or middle-length sword, the tsuba is constructed from iron and features a distinctive gold inlaid mark.
The circular plate exhibits a weathered, aged texture consistent with its age of two to three centuries. It is finished with a running signature inscribed on the surface, showcasing the craftsmanship of its maker. The piece measures 59 mm by 55 mm and has a weight of 80 grams, or 2.82 ounces. As a genuine historical object, this guard reflects the aesthetic and functional standards of Japanese sword mounting during the middle Edo era.
The minimalist yet robust design highlights the traditional ironwork techniques employed by masters of the period, with the gold inlay providing a decorative contrast to the dark, patinated iron base.
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
- Weight
- 80 g
- Material
- iron, gold
- Dimensions
- 59 x 55 mm
Technical characteristics
- Type
- wakizashi sword guard
Design
- Inscriptions
- running signature and gold inlaid mark
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.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.