Type: Tsuba Material: Iron with gold, silver, and copper inlay Mass: 89.3 g Signature: Unsigned
A poetic iron tsuba decorated with inlaid maple leaves, delicate spiderweb lines, and small butterflies rendered in soft metal. The motif conveys the fleeting beauty of fall; a season often associated in Japanese art with transience, reflection, and the quiet melancholy of change. The web and leaves together evoke a still moment in nature, the light metallic glint of the inlay suggesting early morning dew.
The tsuba is forged from dense iron with a dark, even patina. Fine silver and gold inlay is used to create the spiderweb and the veins of the maple leaves, while the butterflies incorporate hints of copper and brass. The workmanship shows restraint; details are small, but carefully placed for compositional harmony. Some inlay has softened with time, and light surface oxidation is visible on both sides, though the plate remains stable and free from deep pitting. The edges are slightly rounded, showing the natural wear of age and handling.
