Higo Sukashi Tsuba, 18th Century

This Japanese Higo sukashi tsuba (sword hand guard) dates to the 18th century, within the Edo period. The piece is forged in iron and features a characteristic sukashi (openwork) design consisting of interlinking clouds.

The surface is decorated with flush-inlaid gold flecks that contrast with a rich, reddish-brown patina. The tsuba measures 3 inches (7.6 cm) in height. It is accompanied by a wooden tomobako storage box finished in the Negoro lacquering style. The piece includes a Tokubetsu Hozon Tōsōgu (Sword Fitting Especially Worthy of Preservation) certificate issued by the Nihon Bijutsu Tōken Hozon Kyokai (Society for the Preservation of the Japanese Art Sword).

As a traditional component of the Japanese sword, the tsuba served as a protective guard for the hand while balancing the weapon and providing aesthetic refinement. The openwork technique demonstrates the mastery of Higo-style metalworking during this period, emphasizing disciplined form and understated, sophisticated decoration through the application of gold against a dark, aged iron ground.