Located in Studio City, CA
A quite wonderfully designed, expertly crafted 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 Tenpo school (sometimes spelled or referred to as Tenbo/Tempo/Tembo. The Saotome School gave rise to the Tenpo School ) Kokuin hot stamp design with the Japanese Kanji character "Sei" (which translates as "Justice") repeated multiple times on both sides of the Tsuba and intricate decorative brass inlay. Very eye catching and quite unique as we have not seen another like it. The dark rich aged patina, expert craftsmanship, and uniqueness of design makes this quite an appealing work. The work comes with a wooden storage box.
The piece is likely from the early to mid Edo Period (1603-1868) but perhaps older.
A relatively large Tsuba with a great feel to it. Would be a great addition to any Tsuba or Japanese Asian sword...
Category
18th Century Japanese Edo Antique Iron Furniture