Openwork Iron Tsuba with Four-Leaf Pattern - Iron (cast/wrought) - Japan - Edo Period (1600-1868)

This item is a hand-forged iron tsuba from mid-Edo period Japan, round with a circular base. Crafted entirely using the traditional shitauchi jihada technique, its surface is covered with fine radial hammer marks. Symmetrical four-leaf flower openwork is carved on both sides, featuring a simple and primitive design as the original guard for the tachi carried by Edo-period samurai in daily life. Forged from a single piece of iron, the nakago-ana and kozuka hitsuana show natural wear from long-term use. The openwork carving lines are bold and neat, with intact original black iron patina preserved all over the piece.
It is forged in one piece and has no cracks or welding repairs; the ground texture is complete and clear, and there are no traces of large-area grinding or planing. There are no broken branches or defects in the four-leaf openwork, and the edges of the eye holes and chestnut skin holes are naturally worn.