Matched pair of Echizen-ju Kiuchi-saku iron tsuba with gold inlay
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
period tsuba
This listing features a matched pair of Japanese tsuba, or sword guards, signed 'Echizen-ju Kiuchi-saku'. These tsuba are crafted from iron, featuring a meticulously forged surface decorated with a gold-inlaid sunflower pattern.
The design utilizes both bold and delicate openwork techniques, characteristic of high-quality sword fittings from this tradition. The larger tsuba measures approximately 74.9mm by 71.8mm with a thickness of 4.5mm and a weight of 86g. The smaller tsuba measures approximately 70.3mm by 67.4mm with a thickness of 5mm and a weight of 91g. This set is provided in a dedicated storage container, known as a tomobako, and is presented in excellent condition.
These tsuba serve as excellent examples of historical metalwork and are suitable for specialized collections or as functional components for traditional Japanese sword mounts, reflecting the sophisticated aesthetic and structural precision associated with the Kinai school of sword guard makers.
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
- Material
- iron, gold
- Weight large
- 86g
- Weight small
- 91g
- Thickness large
- 4.5mm
- Thickness small
- 5mm
- Dimensions large
- 74.9mm x 71.8mm
- Dimensions small
- 70.3mm x 67.4mm
Technical characteristics
- Decoration
- openwork with gold inlay
- Construction
- forged iron
Design
- Motif
- sunflower
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
- Echizen-ju Kiuchi-saku
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.