East Asia, Japan, Edo Period, ca. late 18th to early 19th century CE. A fabulous forged-iron maru-gata (round) tsuba, a disc-shaped hand guard traditionally employed on Japanese swords featuring the signature of Tomotsugu of the Suwo Province in Japanese script. The handguard is adorned with an openwork, botanical design of flowers, leaves, trees, and vines, all surrounding the Nakago-ana or central blade openings. Size: 2.7" Diameter (6.9 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 Rochester, Michigan, USA collection

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#182640

Some light surface wear as shown, but otherwise intact and excellent with nicely preserved detail and patina throughout.