Type: Tsuba
Material: Iron with gold inlay
Signature: Unsigned
Mass: 55.8 g
A small, finely detailed mokko-gata (four-lobed) iron tsuba decorated with a tranquil landscape scene. A cluster of mountains rises on one side, while a temple or rustic dwelling rests near the base. Tall reeds or bamboo sway beside it, and a few tiny points of gold inlay suggest glimmers of light or stars above. The imagery evokes the Japanese appreciation for quiet natural beauty and solitude, themes that resonated deeply with Edo-period samurai culture.
The tsuba is forged from dense iron with a rich, dark patina and softly weathered texture. The carving is done in low relief, with incised lines outlining the mountain peaks and reeds, while the building and highlights are accented by minute dots of gold inlay. The craftsmanship is understated yet thoughtful, balancing open negative space with fine engraved detail. The plate remains structurally sound with only light oxidation and natural wear visible under close inspection. Its relatively small size and light weight suggest it was designed for a wakizashi.
The style and composition bear resemblance to the work of the Bushū or Mito schools, both of which favored naturalistic scenic motifs rendered in subdued tones with occasional inlay highlights. The execution of the landscape, especially the sparse yet evocative linework and soft modeling, aligns with late Edo tastes—when artisans increasingly approached sword fittings as miniature works of painting in metal.
