{"product_id":"ts-057","title":"Iron Tsuba with Inlaid Insect and Blossoms – TS-057","description":"\u003carticle class=\"text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none [--shadow-height:45px] has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none has-data-writing-block:-mt-(--shadow-height) has-data-writing-block:pt-(--shadow-height) [\u0026amp;:has([data-writing-block])\u0026gt;*]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]\" dir=\"auto\" data-turn-id=\"request-690d1790-abb0-8325-a643-bcd322697212-5\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-32\" data-scroll-anchor=\"true\" data-turn=\"assistant\" tabindex=\"-1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] thread-sm:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] thread-lg:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(16)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] thread-lg:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\" tabindex=\"-1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"af9acf65-f82e-45eb-90c5-a37c67c3b2cb\" dir=\"auto\" class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+\u0026amp;]:mt-1\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[1px]\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words dark markdown-new-styling\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"59\" data-end=\"233\"\u003eType: Tsuba\u003cbr data-start=\"70\" data-end=\"73\"\u003eMaterial: Iron with mixed-metal inlay (shibuichi and copper)\u003cbr data-start=\"146\" data-end=\"149\"\u003eEstimated Age: Late Edo period (19th century)\u003cbr data-start=\"194\" data-end=\"197\"\u003eSignature: Unsigned\u003cbr data-start=\"216\" data-end=\"219\"\u003eMass: 80.0 g\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"235\" data-end=\"737\"\u003eThis elegant mokko-gata (lobed) iron tsuba features a finely executed inlay scene of an insect, possibly a bee or beetle, resting among delicate blossoms and branches. The motif is rendered in shibuichi and copper inlay, along with gilding of iron surfaces to achieve a wonderful polychrome effect. The composition captures a tranquil moment in nature, emblematic of the Edo-period aesthetic of finding beauty in the transient and small-scale.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"739\" data-end=\"1202\"\u003eThe iron plate shows a softly textured ishime-ji (stone surface) ground with a rich, even patina. The inlay work is carefully recessed, with excellent preservation of detail; the insect’s carapace is shaped with natural curvature, and individual flower buds are accentuated with minute silver and gold touches. The motif is concentrated in the lower right quadrant, balancing the negative space of the upper half, a hallmark of refined wabi-sabi composition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1204\" data-end=\"1565\"\u003eThe guard’s shape, the smooth rim with subtle rounded edges, and the integration of inlay suggest influence from the Goto and Mito schools, known for elegant, asymmetrical placement and mixed-metal craftsmanship. This style was particularly popular among late Edo artisans producing decorative but understated guards for high-ranking samurai or merchants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1567\" data-end=\"1772\"\u003eCondition is very good overall. Minor wear to the inlay and small areas of patina thinning are consistent with age and use. The reverse is plain, with the same fine surface finish and smooth seppa-dai.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/article\u003e","brand":"Moon Rabbit Blades and Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51463668236587,"sku":null,"price":799.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0957\/6677\/4059\/files\/TS-057_2_0574e8a3-7880-4d9b-a490-3c4a3470cf06.jpg?v=1763420990","url":"https:\/\/www.moonrabbitblades.com\/products\/ts-057","provider":"Moon Rabbit Blades and Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}