East Asia, Japan, middle Edo period, ca. 18th century CE. A finely-preserved copper tsuba of a round (maru gata) form, a disc-shaped hand guard traditionally employed on Japanese swords. The obverse side displays a minimalist nature scene of a gilded bamboo stalk rising up along the right side amongst a sparse field of bamboo leaves on the ground and several more leaves drooping above the top. The reverse exhibits a singular frond of bamboo leaves in the foreground of a rugged landscape. The outer edges of the central blade opening (Nakago-ana) are adorned with four radiating cherry blossoms, with a decorative ovoid hole (Hozuka Hitsu-ana) to the left, and a two-character inscription in-between. A stylish example of superb Japanese artistry! Lucite display stand for photography purposes only. Size: 2.1" W x 2.4" H (5.3 cm x 6.1 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: ex-private Ft. Myers, Florida, USA collection
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#143723
Condition
Very light abrasions to obverse, reverse, and peripheries, with wear to areas of gilding, and light softening to inscription, otherwise intact and excellent. Nice patina throughout.