{"product_id":"ts-056","title":"Iron Tsuba with Crane Motif in Hon Zogan Inlay – TS-056","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"66\" data-end=\"217\"\u003eType: Tsuba\u003cbr data-start=\"77\" data-end=\"80\"\u003eMaterial: Iron with brass inlay\u003cbr data-start=\"121\" data-end=\"124\"\u003eEstimated Age: Mid–Late Edo period (18th–19th century)\u003cbr data-start=\"178\" data-end=\"181\"\u003eSignature: Unsigned\u003cbr data-start=\"200\" data-end=\"203\"\u003eMass: 48.3 g\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"219\" data-end=\"723\"\u003eThis small, rectangular (kaku-maru gata) iron tsuba features a delicate depiction of a crane (tsuru) in flight, once finely detailed, but now worn with age, in brass inlay on the upper section of the plate. The crane, an auspicious symbol of longevity, peace, and fidelity, was a favored motif among Edo-period artisans, often used in sword fittings to convey elegance and refined taste. The simplicity of the design, with a single inlaid motif on an otherwise unadorned surface, enhances the quiet dignity of the piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"725\" data-end=\"1209\"\u003eThe tsuba’s surface exhibits a textured ishime-ji (stone-grain) finish, lending depth to the dark brown-black patina, with small sunbursts punched in around the face of the guard. The sekigane (copper inserts in the nakago-ana) remain intact, suggesting it was mounted for use but with care. The reverse side is undecorated but shows the same consistent texture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1211\" data-end=\"1439\"\u003eDespite some wear around the rim and light oxidation, the surface is stable and well-preserved. The thinness and light weight (48.3 g) suggest this was a wakizashi guard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1784\" data-end=\"2217\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1784\" data-end=\"1803\"\u003eInternal Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1803\" data-end=\"1806\"\u003eA tasteful example of Edo-period ironwork with subtle decorative inlay. Its small size and single crane motif make it appealing to collectors of Higo or wabi-sabi themed fittings. Condition is very good with only light surface wear and one minor patina disturbance near the top inlay. The contrast between iron texture and gold\/copper is excellent in angled light—worth emphasizing in catalog photography.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2219\" data-end=\"2387\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2219\" data-end=\"2239\"\u003ePrice Estimates:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2239\" data-end=\"2242\"\u003e$300–450 auction site, $800–1,100 USD retail range, up to ~$1,400 private sale to collectors focusing on minimalist Higo or crane-themed tsuba.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Moon Rabbit Blades and Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51463661224235,"sku":null,"price":249.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0957\/6677\/4059\/files\/TS-054_2_8baebfe9-715b-4547-9248-1e6b2208de1d.jpg?v=1763420920","url":"https:\/\/www.moonrabbitblades.com\/products\/ts-056","provider":"Moon Rabbit Blades and Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}