Katana-Tsuba - Japan - Edo Period (1600-1868)

05
days
20
hours
07
minutes
06
seconds
Current bid
€ 1
No reserve price
Julien Gauthier
Expert
Selected by Julien Gauthier

A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.

Estimate  € 200 - € 250
IT
€1

Catawiki Buyer Protection

Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details

Trustpilot 4.4 | 141663 reviews

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.

Iron tsuba from Japan dating to the mid-Edo period (c. 18th century), with a carved pine and karako children motif, featuring gold-colored inlay and relief, in good condition and supplied with an old wooden storage box.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

Japanese Edo Period Iron Tsuba with Pine Trees and Karako Children – Fine Carving and Gold Inlay

Description---

A beautiful Japanese iron sword guard (tsuba), believed to date from the middle Edo period (approximately 18th century).

The tsuba is finely decorated with a charming “Karako Asobi” (唐子遊図) motif, depicting Chinese-style children at play, accompanied by beautifully carved pine trees (matsu).
The composition combines openwork areas with finely carved and relief-decorated figures, creating a lively and elegant three-dimensional effect.

The figures and decorative elements are enhanced with gold-colored inlay and detailing, providing a striking contrast against the dark iron surface.
The pine trees, with their numerous needles and carefully carved branches, add a refined naturalistic element to the design.

The craftsmanship and combination of iron carving, relief work and gold decoration are characteristic of the sophisticated decorative arts of the Edo period.
The piece is thought to have been produced around the middle of the Edo period, although the exact date and maker are unknown.

This is an attractive example of an Edo-period Japanese sword fitting, suitable for collectors of Japanese swords, tsuba, and traditional Japanese metalwork.

The tsuba comes with an old wooden storage box. The upper and lower parts of the box are slightly different in size, so the lid does not fit tightly. Please note this condition when considering the item.

Dimensions---

Tsuba: approx. 6.8 cm (W) × 7.3 cm (H)
Thickness: approx. 0.5 cm
Weight of tsuba: approx. 94 g
Box: approx. 11 × 11 × 2.2 cm
Total weight including box: approx. 151 g

Period: Edo period, believed to be mid-Edo (18th century)
Material: Iron, with gold-colored decorative inlay/details
Subject: Pine trees and Karako children at play
Origin: Japan

Please examine the photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description.

Japanese Edo Period Iron Tsuba with Pine Trees and Karako Children – Fine Carving and Gold Inlay

Description---

A beautiful Japanese iron sword guard (tsuba), believed to date from the middle Edo period (approximately 18th century).

The tsuba is finely decorated with a charming “Karako Asobi” (唐子遊図) motif, depicting Chinese-style children at play, accompanied by beautifully carved pine trees (matsu).
The composition combines openwork areas with finely carved and relief-decorated figures, creating a lively and elegant three-dimensional effect.

The figures and decorative elements are enhanced with gold-colored inlay and detailing, providing a striking contrast against the dark iron surface.
The pine trees, with their numerous needles and carefully carved branches, add a refined naturalistic element to the design.

The craftsmanship and combination of iron carving, relief work and gold decoration are characteristic of the sophisticated decorative arts of the Edo period.
The piece is thought to have been produced around the middle of the Edo period, although the exact date and maker are unknown.

This is an attractive example of an Edo-period Japanese sword fitting, suitable for collectors of Japanese swords, tsuba, and traditional Japanese metalwork.

The tsuba comes with an old wooden storage box. The upper and lower parts of the box are slightly different in size, so the lid does not fit tightly. Please note this condition when considering the item.

Dimensions---

Tsuba: approx. 6.8 cm (W) × 7.3 cm (H)
Thickness: approx. 0.5 cm
Weight of tsuba: approx. 94 g
Box: approx. 11 × 11 × 2.2 cm
Total weight including box: approx. 151 g

Period: Edo period, believed to be mid-Edo (18th century)
Material: Iron, with gold-colored decorative inlay/details
Subject: Pine trees and Karako children at play
Origin: Japan

Please examine the photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description.

Details

Dynastic Style/Period
Edo Period (1600-1868)
Country of Origin
Japan
Title of artwork
Katana-Tsuba
Condition
Good condition
Authenticity
Original/official
JapanVerified
46
Objects sold
100%
pro

Similar objects

  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​

For you in

Japanese Art

  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​