Japanese Edo Meiji Antique Tsuba Sword Hand Guard with Waves and Plovers Design
Located in Studio City, CA
A quite wonderful, intricately crafted, evocative Tsuba - Japanese sword hand guard often circular, sometimes square, which emerged as an essential part of Japanese sword craftsmanship during the Heian period (794–1185). Initially crafted from iron or bronze, over time they became more decorative in nature and more for show as the waring Samurai clans disbanded and became part of Japan's past. The particular Tsuba features a traditional wave and plovers (birds) design - a classic motif made popular by renowned Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai's famous image "The Great Wave off Kanagawa (Under the Wave off Kanagawa (Kanagawa oki nami ura))" The rare rolled edges, dark almost black patina, expert craftsmanship, and irregular shape makes this quite an appealing work. The piece is likely from the mid to later Edo Period (1603-1868). The Tsuba has a great feel to it. Would be a great addition to any Tsuba or Japanese Asian...
19th Century Japanese Edo Antique Iron Metalwork
Iron








