Edo period Japanese iron tsuba with openwork abalone motif, signed
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Edo period (1603-1868)
This is an Edo period (1603-1868) Japanese tsuba, or sword guard, featuring a nagamaru-gata (oval or rounded) shape. It is crafted from iron and executed with an openwork technique (sukashi) that highlights a stylized motif of abalone shells (ormeaux).
The iron surface exhibits a naturally aged texture characteristic of traditional Japanese sword furniture. The piece is signed on the surface with the inscriptions "Cho[...] Hagi ju" and "Kawaji saku". The design is skillfully integrated, balancing the structural requirements of the sword guard with the artistic representation of marine motifs. With dimensions of 7.1 x 6.9 cm, this tsuba serves as a fine example of decorative metalwork produced for samurai swords during the Edo period, reflecting the meticulous craftsmanship and aesthetic values prevalent in Japanese martial arts history.
It is a collector's piece representing both functional hardware and high art.
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
- iron
- Dimensions
- 7.1 x 6.9 cm
Design
- Motif
- abalone shells
- Shape
- nagamaru-gata
- Technique
- openwork (sukashi)
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
- Cho[...] Hagi ju, Kawaji saku
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.