Type: Tsuba
Material: Iron with brass inlay details
Estimated Age: Late Edo period (19th century)
Signature: Unsigned
Mass: 95.4 g
This round (maru-gata) iron tsuba features an austere yet refined composition of cloud-like forms (reishi mushrooms or clouds) and ancient seal script rendered in brass inlay. The swirling brass forms evoke the drifting heavens, a classical motif associated with transcendence, impermanence, and celestial harmony. The overall arrangement feels balanced yet spontaneous, with the motifs floating freely across the darkened iron surface.
The tsuba’s plate has been forged of a tight grained iron with a pleasing smooth texture beneath a dark, stable patina. The brass inlay is well-executed, seated cleanly in the iron without excessive wear. The rim remains intact and smooth.
