East Asia, Japan, Edo period, ca. 19th century CE. A wonderful iron tsuba, a disc-shaped handguard traditionally employed on Japanese swords, of ovoid form adorned with gilt and silvered decoration a komainu or lion-dog, a butterfly, and a rose on one side. A tsuba is the hand guard of a traditional Japanese sword, usually a katana or tachi. Its primary purposes are to balance the sword, prevent one's hand from sliding down the blade and, as a last resort, as a block against an opponent's thrust or slash. However, as time and skills developed, the tsuba evolved into an artistic item and symbol representing wealth, prestige, or skills as a swordsman. Early tsuba, known as neri tsuba, were made of leather encased in an iron or wooden frame which was occasionally lacquered for strength and stability. Size: 2.7" L x 2.4" W (6.9 cm x 6.1 cm)

Provenance: private Rochester, Michigan, USA collection

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#182621

Some minor nicks near periphery and overall weathering commensurate with age, but otherwise intact and excellent. Good remaining detail and rich patina throughout.