Type: Tsuba
Material: Iron
Signature: Unsigned
Mass: 51.2 g
A round iron tsuba featuring a stylized composition of waves and clouds, creating a visual harmony between the forces of sea and sky. The lower portion of the design depicts rolling waves carved in rhythmic repetition, while the upper portion is decorated with softly curling cloud forms. This balance of natural elements was a popular theme among Edo-period metalworkers, symbolizing the unity and cyclical nature of the world. The motif also held auspicious connotations, representing peace after storms and the equilibrium between movement and stillness.
The tsuba is forged from dark, dense iron with a well-developed natural patina and a textured surface that highlights the chisel work. The clouds above are expressed through shallower engraving, allowing the design to breathe.
