Japanese patinated iron and shakudo mokko gata tsuba, 19th century

This Japanese tsuba, a sword guard, dates to the 19th century during the Edo period. It is crafted from patinated iron and features decorative elements in shakudo, an alloy primarily composed of copper and gold.

The piece is of mokko gata, or four-lobed oval shape, and is embellished with stylized motifs applied in relief. Centrally, the guard features the nakago-ana, the aperture designed to accommodate the sword tang. Two additional lateral openings, known as hitsu-ana, are present on either side of the center. These functional apertures were historically used to hold accessory tools: the kozuka, a small utility knife, and the kogai, an ornamental or functional hairpin, both of which were typically inserted into the scabbard of the sword.

The tsuba measures 6 by 4 centimeters. This example serves as a fine specimen of traditional Japanese metalworking, combining functional steel components with decorative precious metal inlay techniques common to samurai weaponry of the era.