Large iron tsuba with dragon, Japan, late Edo period
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
late Edo period
This large Japanese tsuba (sword guard) is crafted from iron and dates to the late Edo period. The piece follows a mokkôgata shape, featuring a classic quatrefoil outline that is characteristic of traditional Japanese sword furniture.
The edge is finished in maru mimi style, with a rounded profile. The surface texture is executed in tsuchime ji, a hammered technique that provides a robust and organic appearance. The primary decorative element is a dragon motif, rendered in bas-relief across the face of the tsuba. The design is further refined with intricate gold inlays that highlight specific details of the dragon. The central apertures for the sword blade and accessory tools are clearly defined within the iron plate.
This specimen is presented in a wooden storage box, preserving its historical integrity and showing expected traces of age appropriate for its period of origin.
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
- Height
- 10 cm
- Material
- iron, gold
Technical characteristics
- Rim
- maru mimi
- Shape
- mokkôgata
- Surface
- tsuchime ji
Design
- Motif
- dragon
- Technique
- bas-relief, gold inlay
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.