Type: Tsuba Material: Iron with brass inlay Period: Edo (18th–19th century) Mass: 129.6 g
This rustic iron tsuba depicts a fisherman looking up at a distant sunrise, rendered in delicate relief. Brass inlays adorn the piece, with little flecks being perhaps fireflies, spray, or otherwise. The reverse side bears simple crossed reeds, balancing the composition with a refined, quiet naturalism.
This tsuba exemplifies the minimalist aesthetic of the Edo period’s late rural schools, where artisans expressed depth and solitude through simple, atmospheric scenes. The thick iron plate and soft, granular patina evoke a sense of age and elemental calm, while the traces of brass accent add subtle warmth against the dark surface.
