Japanese iron tsuba with trees, clouds and bird design, signed by Bushu Tsugukuni
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Muromachi period (1333-1568?)
This antique Japanese tsuba is a hand-guard crafted from iron, a material confirmed by its magnetic properties. It is attributed to the Muromachi period, dating between 1333 and 1568.
The disc-shaped guard features a detailed motif depicting trees, clouds, and a bird. It is constructed with three distinct openings: the central nakago-ana, which is the aperture for the blade measuring 25 mm by 7 mm, a kozuka hitsu-ana measuring 18 mm, and a kogai hitsu-ana measuring 17 mm. The iron surface shows a weathered patina consistent with its age. The tsuba is signed on the surface by the maker, identified as Bushu Tsugukuni (武州 継国).
In terms of dimensions, the object measures 64 mm by 60 mm and has a weight of 83.78 grams. This piece serves as both a functional component of a Japanese sword mount and a decorative element, showcasing traditional metalwork techniques from the Muromachi era.
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
- 83.78 g
- Material
- iron
- Dimensions
- 64 mm x 60 mm
Technical characteristics
- Nakago ana
- 25 mm x 7 mm
- Kogai hitsu ana
- 17 mm
- Kozuka hitsu ana
- 18 mm
Design
- Motifs
- trees, clouds, and bird
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
- Bushu Tsugukuni
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.