Japanese iron tsuba with peacock design, Edo period
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Edo period (1603-1867 AD)
This authentic Japanese tsuba, or sword guard, originates from the Edo period and is designed for use with a wakizashi or katana. Crafted primarily from iron, the tsuba features delicate golden inlay, illustrating a stylized peacock motif.
The piece measures 66 mm in diameter and has a weight of 82.37 grams. It includes a central nakago-ana (blade opening) measuring 26 mm x 9 mm, and a kozuka-ana (utility knife opening) measuring 18 mm x 11 mm. A notable technical detail is the presence of sekigane, remnants of a soft metal fitting found within the nakago-ana, which served as a cushioning element to ensure a secure fit between the guard and the sword blade while preventing damage to the steel.
The item exhibits a natural, aged patina consistent with its historical provenance and construction by a specialist master. This tsuba represents a functional yet artistic component of traditional Japanese samurai weaponry, balancing utility and aesthetic 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
- 82.37 g
- Material
- iron, golden inlay
- Dimensions
- 66 mm x 66 mm
Technical characteristics
- Features
- sekigane remnants
- Kozuka ana
- 18 mm x 11 mm
- Nakago ana
- 26 mm x 9 mm
Design
- Motif
- peacock
- Shape
- round circle
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.