Japan - Sword guard - 1800-1850





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Japanese iron tsuba from the late Edo period (c. 1800–1850), with a ginkgo-leaf form and fine radiating lines, measuring 7.22 cm by 6.59 cm by 5.3 mm and weighing about 101 g, in good condition with natural patina, sold with a storage case and an appraisal certificate (No. 224032) from Nihon Tosogu Kenkyukai.
Description from the seller
Japanese iron tsuba (sword guard) dating from the late Edo period, approximately 1800–1850.
This tsuba has an elegant form reminiscent of ginkgo leaves. The iron surface is carefully engraved with numerous fine radiating lines resembling the delicate veins of a ginkgo leaf. The close-up photographs clearly show the remarkable precision of these individual lines and the detailed workmanship involved in creating the design.
The iron has developed a natural patina and signs of age over its long history. Small traces of gold-coloured decoration can also be seen in several areas, adding further character to this historic sword fitting.
The ginkgo is one of Japan's most distinctive trees and is closely associated with autumn. It also has an interesting cultural connection with Europe. The German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe wrote his famous poem "Gingo biloba", inspired by the distinctive form of the ginkgo leaf.
He used its appearance — seemingly both one and two — as an image of a deep bond between two people. The motif can therefore also evoke ideas of friendship, affection and human connection.
The tsuba is accompanied by an appraisal certificate issued by the Nihon Tosogu Kenkyukai (Japanese Sword Fittings Research Society), certificate No. 224032. The certificate identifies the piece as an iron tsuba from the late Edo period and records the signature on the tsuba as “Bushu ju Masayoshi” (武州住 正義).
Measurements:
Height: approx. 7.22 cm
Width: approx. 6.59 cm
Thickness: approx. 5.3 mm
Weight: approx. 101 g
Condition:
Good condition considering its age. As an antique sword fitting, it shows natural patina, surface wear, small marks and other signs of age. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description.
Included in the sale:
- Tsuba
- Storage case
- Appraisal certificate
Please note:
The Rainbow Cross cloth/flag and the blue fabric visible in some photographs were used only as photographic backgrounds and are NOT included in the sale.
Japanese iron tsuba (sword guard) dating from the late Edo period, approximately 1800–1850.
This tsuba has an elegant form reminiscent of ginkgo leaves. The iron surface is carefully engraved with numerous fine radiating lines resembling the delicate veins of a ginkgo leaf. The close-up photographs clearly show the remarkable precision of these individual lines and the detailed workmanship involved in creating the design.
The iron has developed a natural patina and signs of age over its long history. Small traces of gold-coloured decoration can also be seen in several areas, adding further character to this historic sword fitting.
The ginkgo is one of Japan's most distinctive trees and is closely associated with autumn. It also has an interesting cultural connection with Europe. The German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe wrote his famous poem "Gingo biloba", inspired by the distinctive form of the ginkgo leaf.
He used its appearance — seemingly both one and two — as an image of a deep bond between two people. The motif can therefore also evoke ideas of friendship, affection and human connection.
The tsuba is accompanied by an appraisal certificate issued by the Nihon Tosogu Kenkyukai (Japanese Sword Fittings Research Society), certificate No. 224032. The certificate identifies the piece as an iron tsuba from the late Edo period and records the signature on the tsuba as “Bushu ju Masayoshi” (武州住 正義).
Measurements:
Height: approx. 7.22 cm
Width: approx. 6.59 cm
Thickness: approx. 5.3 mm
Weight: approx. 101 g
Condition:
Good condition considering its age. As an antique sword fitting, it shows natural patina, surface wear, small marks and other signs of age. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description.
Included in the sale:
- Tsuba
- Storage case
- Appraisal certificate
Please note:
The Rainbow Cross cloth/flag and the blue fabric visible in some photographs were used only as photographic backgrounds and are NOT included in the sale.

