Edo Hammered Iron Tsuba

Size: 9.86 grams

Materials: Iron

Date: Edo Japan, 1603-1868 AD

Provenance: Acquired by a Canadian collector in the 2010s.

The Edo period wrought iron tsuba is a Japanese sword guard made during the Edo period (1603-1868) in Japan. The Tsuba was designed to protect the swordsman's hand and to decorate the hilt of the sword. These guards were made of iron and created by skilled metalworkers who hammered intricate patterns into the metal.

The metalworking technique used to make tsuba creates a characteristic texture on the surface of the metal, giving it a rough and rustic appearance. Edo wrought iron Tsuba often have intricate and detailed patterns, including floral motifs, animals and landscapes. The tsuba is attached to the hilt with two small holes on either side of the guard.

This tsuba features a face-like image hammered into iron.