Iron tsuba with clouds and pine tree in openwork by Bamen Tsunemasa
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Edo period, 1741-1817
This Japanese tsuba, or sword guard, is crafted from iron and dates to the Edo period. It features a marugata (round) shape with a maru mimi (rounded rim). The decorative motif showcases an openwork design depicting clouds and a pine tree.
The piece is signed Bamen Tsunemasa (1741–c. 1817) and includes a kao, which is a stylized calligraphic signature mark. The tsuba measures 7.4 cm in diameter and is accompanied by a wooden box with inscriptions on the lid. The item has been formally authenticated and is documented by a certificate, Tokubetsu kicho token No. 455976, dated 27 October 2008. The craftsmanship reflects the distinct style of the Bamen school, known for its technical precision in ironwork and narrative silhouettes created through the subtraction of material from the iron plate.
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
- Diameter
- 7.4 cm
- Material
- iron
Technical characteristics
- Rim
- maru mimi
- Shape
- marugata
Design
- Motif
- clouds and pine tree
- Signature
- Bamen Tsunemasa (kao)
- Technique
- openwork
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
- Bamen Tsunemasa
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.