Iris & Butterfly - Iron (wrought) - Japan - Edo Period (1600-1868)
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An Edo-period original Japanese iron tsuba (sword guard) measuring 7.5 × 7.0 cm, 0.5 cm thick and 121 g, with nunome-zogan iris and butterfly motifs and a jakago river pattern, in good antique condition with minor wear to the inlay and a small chip around the nakago-ana.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Antique Japanese Iron Tsuba - Iris & Butterfly Design (Shobu & Cho)
### Description
This is a finely crafted Japanese iron tsuba (sword guard) featuring delicate nunome-zogan (inlay) depicting irises (shobu), flowing water with a traditional "jakago" (river stone basket) pattern, and a beautifully rendered butterfly (cho) in flight.
### Background on the Motifs
- **Butterfly (Cho):** Traditionally a symbol of reincarnation, longevity, and elegant beauty in Japanese culture. Often used to represent the fleeting nature of life and a warrior's readiness for fate.
- **Iris (Shobu):** Due to the phonetic resemblance to "martial spirit" (尚武) and "deciding victory" (勝負), this motif was intensely favored by the samurai class, symbolizing military bravery.
### Condition
Good antique condition. Shows natural signs of age, including a rich historical patina, minor wear to the inlay, and a slight chip/loss around the central nakago-ana (tang hole) on the reverse side consistent with its era and historical use. Please review the photos carefully. Sold as-is.
### Dimensions
- Height: 7.5 cm
- Width: 7.0 cm
- Thickness: 0.5 cm
### Weight
121 g
### Accessories
None
### Shipping
* This item will be safely packed and shipped directly from Japan.
* Please note: Shipping for this item is available exclusively to destinations within the EEA, Switzerland, and the UK.
Items will be shipped via:
* DHL Express
* EMS
* International Air Parcel
Note: The shipping method is selected based on the destination country, package size, and available carrier services.
To ensure smooth customs clearance and avoid double taxation, delays, or unexpected returns—particularly in regions where postal customs system issues are present—certain destinations (such as France, Italy, Spain, etc.) will be shipped via DHL Express.
### Customs & Import Taxes
* Import duties, taxes, and VAT are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility.
* We cannot declare a lower value or mark the item as a "gift."
Thanks, WAQWAQ Kyoto
Seller's Story
Welcome to the WAQWAQ Kyoto store. Thank you for visiting our profile.
Established in 2003, we are a trusted buy-and-sell shop located in the historic city of Kyoto, Japan. We have been bringing our curated selection to Catawiki buyers since 2025.
Please be advised that our shipping is strictly limited to EEA countries, Switzerland, and the UK. To ensure safe and fast delivery, we ship all orders via DHL Express, EMS, or International Air Parcel. The most suitable carrier will be automatically selected based on the item's value, size, and your destination to ensure the best balance of speed, safety, and cost.
Antique Japanese Iron Tsuba - Iris & Butterfly Design (Shobu & Cho)
### Description
This is a finely crafted Japanese iron tsuba (sword guard) featuring delicate nunome-zogan (inlay) depicting irises (shobu), flowing water with a traditional "jakago" (river stone basket) pattern, and a beautifully rendered butterfly (cho) in flight.
### Background on the Motifs
- **Butterfly (Cho):** Traditionally a symbol of reincarnation, longevity, and elegant beauty in Japanese culture. Often used to represent the fleeting nature of life and a warrior's readiness for fate.
- **Iris (Shobu):** Due to the phonetic resemblance to "martial spirit" (尚武) and "deciding victory" (勝負), this motif was intensely favored by the samurai class, symbolizing military bravery.
### Condition
Good antique condition. Shows natural signs of age, including a rich historical patina, minor wear to the inlay, and a slight chip/loss around the central nakago-ana (tang hole) on the reverse side consistent with its era and historical use. Please review the photos carefully. Sold as-is.
### Dimensions
- Height: 7.5 cm
- Width: 7.0 cm
- Thickness: 0.5 cm
### Weight
121 g
### Accessories
None
### Shipping
* This item will be safely packed and shipped directly from Japan.
* Please note: Shipping for this item is available exclusively to destinations within the EEA, Switzerland, and the UK.
Items will be shipped via:
* DHL Express
* EMS
* International Air Parcel
Note: The shipping method is selected based on the destination country, package size, and available carrier services.
To ensure smooth customs clearance and avoid double taxation, delays, or unexpected returns—particularly in regions where postal customs system issues are present—certain destinations (such as France, Italy, Spain, etc.) will be shipped via DHL Express.
### Customs & Import Taxes
* Import duties, taxes, and VAT are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility.
* We cannot declare a lower value or mark the item as a "gift."
Thanks, WAQWAQ Kyoto
Seller's Story
Welcome to the WAQWAQ Kyoto store. Thank you for visiting our profile.
Established in 2003, we are a trusted buy-and-sell shop located in the historic city of Kyoto, Japan. We have been bringing our curated selection to Catawiki buyers since 2025.
Please be advised that our shipping is strictly limited to EEA countries, Switzerland, and the UK. To ensure safe and fast delivery, we ship all orders via DHL Express, EMS, or International Air Parcel. The most suitable carrier will be automatically selected based on the item's value, size, and your destination to ensure the best balance of speed, safety, and cost.
Details
Dynastic Style/Period
Edo Period (1600-1868)
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
Japan
Material
Iron (wrought)
Height
7.5 cm
Width
7 cm
Title of artwork
Iris & Butterfly
Depth
0.5 cm
Condition
Good condition
Authenticity
Original/official
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