East Asia, Japan, Edo Period, ca. 17th century CE. A beautiful forged-iron maru gata (circular) tsuba, a disc-shaped hand guard traditionally situated between the blade and handle of Japanese swords. The obverse side of the tsuba depicts Benkei, a warrior-ascetic (yamabushi) of high strength, skill, and loyalty, standing with a forward-leaning pose in a flowing vestment adorned with gilded copper linear motifs. He holds a lengthy scroll which bears several lines of stamped stippling which mimics the positioning of Japanese script. The verso displays a pair of poppy flowers above the slender-beaked head of a crane. The central blade opening (Nakago-ana) is flanked by a pair of decorative holes, one with a small protrusion on one side (Kogai Hitsu-ana) and one without (Hozuka Hitsu-ana). A beautiful example of functional Japanese artistry! Size: 3" W x 3.3" H (7.6 cm x 8.4 cm).
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.
Provenance: private Colorado, USA collection; ex-private Vero Beach, Florida, USA collection
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#143719
Condition
Minor nicks to central blade opening, verso, and peripheries, with softening to some finer details, and light fading to gilding, otherwise intact and very good. Nice patina throughout.