Japanese octagonal copper alloy tsuba with floral relief, late Edo period, c. 1800
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
late Edo period, c. 1800
This Japanese tsuba, or sword guard, dates to the late Edo period, likely circa 1800. It is crafted from a copper alloy and features an octagonal shape that measures 6.5 centimeters by 5 centimeters.
The surface is elaborately decorated with a delicate floral relief on both the front and back, accented with minimal silver inlay. The construction includes a central nakago-ana, which is the opening for the sword tang, accompanied by a hitsu-ana. The piece exhibits signs of age consistent with its historical period. This sword guard is unmarked and reflects the craftsmanship of Japanese metalworking traditions, utilizing stamping techniques to create the textured background and the subtle floral motifs.
Its design combines structural function for the sword with intricate, refined artistic detail, characteristic of period accessories intended for use with traditional Japanese swords.
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
- Shape
- octagonal
- Material
- copper alloy, silver
- Dimensions
- 6.5 x 5 cm
Technical characteristics
- Decoration
- stamped, silver inlay
Design
- Motif
- floral relief
- Features
- nakago-ana, hitsu
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.