Japanese Iron Tsuba Sword Guard with Clouds or Waves Design, 1400-1700
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1400-1700 AD
This antique Japanese tsuba, or sword guard, is crafted from iron and dates to the period between 1400 and 1700 AD. Designed for use with a katana, the tsuba features a thematic aesthetic described as depicting clouds or water waves.
The piece exhibits genuine aging, characterized by natural rust and a characteristic patina. It includes specific openings: a central nakago-ana for the sword tang, accompanied by a kozuka ana and a kogai ana. Notable technical features include remnants of soft copper sekigane, which are decorative and functional metal inserts fitted into the top and bottom of the nakago-hitsu to serve as cushioning and ensure a secure fit between the tsuba and the blade without causing damage.
The tsuba is accompanied by two seppa spacers and a habaki collar. Measuring 75 mm by 70 mm, with a weight of 99.48 grams, this artifact serves as both a protective element for the samurai's hand and a refined example of Japanese metalwork craftsmanship.
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
- 99.48 g
- Material
- iron
- Dimensions
- 75 mm x 70 mm
Technical characteristics
- Sekigane
- remnants of soft copper
- Kogai ana
- 19 mm x 12 mm
- Kozuka ana
- 19 mm x 12 mm
Design
- Motif
- clouds or water waves
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.