Type: Tsuba Material: Iron Estimated Age: Early–Mid Edo period (17th–18th century) Mass: 89.7 g Signature: Unsigned
This understated iron tsuba features a simple yet evocative sukashi (openwork) composition.
The tsuba is forged from iron with a natural blackish-brown patina that has matured evenly across the surface. The nakago-ana remains clean, with traces of old fitting adjustment visible. There are no major flaws, only light pitting consistent with Edo-period examples of this utilitarian style.
This piece is stylistically reminiscent of early Owari or Ko-Shoami work, schools known for their practical guards emphasizing negative space and elemental design rather than decoration. The abstract landscape motif aligns with the restrained sensibility of those early smiths, who valued the expressive power of silhouette and proportion. Though unsigned, the workmanship and simplicity suggest a regional maker influenced by these traditions rather than later decorative schools.
