Japanese iron sukashi tsuba with openwork decoration, 19th century
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
19th century
This Japanese tsuba, or sword guard, dates to the 19th century, potentially originating in the Edo period. It is crafted from iron and features a circular form with intricate sukashi openwork, a hallmark of this traditional craft.
The central nakago ana is designed to accommodate the sword tang, accompanied by two additional side openings. The decorative motifs depict a stylized bird and foliate or fan-like elements, accented by a small gold-colored metal inlay on one side. The iron displays a visible patina, with some rubbing and light surface wear consistent with its age. The tsuba is presented in a dedicated, fitted wood storage box lined with textile, which also shows minor age-related wear.
The tsuba measures 3 inches in diameter, while the storage box measures 5 inches by 3.5 inches, with a total weight of 4.65 ounces including the box. This piece exemplifies the artistic metalwork used to balance and protect the hands of a sword user.
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
- 4.65 oz including box
- Material
- iron, wood, textile, gold colored metal accent
- Dimensions
- 3 inch diameter, box 5 x 3.5 inches
Technical characteristics
- Openings
- central nakago ana, two side openings
- Construction
- sukashi openwork
Design
- Motifs
- stylized bird and foliate or fan form elements
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.