19th C. Japanese Iron & Brass Tsuba w/ Nio Figures

**Originally Listed At $300**

East Asia, Japan, Edo to early Meiji period, ca. 19th century CE. An iron tsuba, or sword guard, adorned with relief imagery of Nio - muscular and wrathful Buddhist guardians - and swirling clouds. Nio are the fierce protectors of the Buddha, traditionally positioned at the entrances of Buddhist temples, particularly in Japan. As some of the few aggressive figures in the Buddhist pantheon, they are sometimes invoked to justify the use of physical force in the defense against evil - making their depiction especially fitting for a sword tsuba. Size: 2.75" L x 2.5" W (7 cm x 6.4 cm)

Provenance: private Lafayette, Colorado, USA collection

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#190868

Some minor abrasions and pitting, but otherwise intact and good condition.