Japanese Iron Sukashi Tsuba – Round Sword Guard with Plum Blossom Motif An attractive Japanese tsuba (鍔), the traditional hand guard fitted between the blade and handle of a Japanese sword. This example is of round maru-gata (丸形) form and is made of iron. The guard features an elegant sukashi (透かし) openwork design, with a prominent five-petalled floral motif, probably representing the ume (梅), or Japanese plum blossom. The openwork creates a balanced composition around the central nakago-ana, through which the tang of the sword would pass. The relatively simple iron construction and restrained openwork give the piece a particularly elegant appearance. Plum blossoms are a long-established subject in Japanese decorative arts and appear frequently in Japanese sword furniture. Museum examples include iron sukashi tsuba incorporating plum-blossom designs. The tsuba has a dark aged patina and shows signs of use and age, including surface wear and small irregularities. These characteristics are visible in the photographs. Specifications * Type: Tsuba (鍔) * Form: Maru-gata (丸形) * Technique: Sukashi (透かし), openwork * Material: Iron * Motif: Probably ume / plum blossom (梅) * Origin: Japan * Period: Unknown * Maker/school: Unknown / unsigned Condition: Antique condition with an aged iron patina and visible signs of wear. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the condition description.