Katana - Japan - Sene Edo-periode

Product Description
Product Name: Iron Tsuba with Openwork Design of Dragon and Arabesque Pattern, Gold Inlay (Comes with Box)

Material: Iron with Gold Inlay

This tsuba (sword guard) is meticulously crafted from iron and features delicate gold inlay (kinzogan) throughout the design. The intricate openwork displays an arabesque pattern intertwined with a dragon motif, showcasing the artistry and skill of the craftsman. The level of detail suggests significant effort was invested in carving this piece.

Design:
The tsuba features an arabesque pattern with a hidden dragon (uryu) motif, intricately carved in openwork style. The dragon and plant motifs are gracefully combined to form an elegant design. Additionally, the outer rim (referred to as the "mimi") is also decorated with gold inlay, although some portions show slight wear, enhancing its antique charm.

Dimensions: Approximately 7.2 cm in height, 6.6 cm in width, 5 mm in thickness, and weighs around 100 g.

This is a standard size and weight for a tsuba, providing both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality.

Condition: The tsuba is in excellent condition with no significant rust or deterioration. Minor wear on the gold inlay is visible in parts, which is expected for its age and adds to its character.

Accessories: Comes with a dedicated wooden box, ideal for preservation and display.
Background and Origin
Tsuba with such detailed openwork designs were highly valued and required extensive skill and patience to create. The arabesque pattern, along with the mythical dragon motif, symbolizes strength and protection, themes highly regarded by the samurai class. The addition of gold inlay further indicates that this was a high-quality tsuba, possibly owned by a person of status.

Estimated Era
Based on the craftsmanship and design, this tsuba is estimated to have been created in the late Edo period (mid-19th century). During this time, tsuba were not only functional but also valued as art pieces, reflecting the owner's taste and social status.

International Buyers:
Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping costs. These charges are the buyer’s responsibility.

Please check with your country’s customs office to determine any additional costs before bidding or buying. These duties are paid to your customs office, not to us. Prompt payment of these fees is necessary to ensure timely delivery of your item.r country’s customs office to determine these additional costs before bidding/buying. These duties are paid to your customs office, not us. Prompt payment ensures item delivery.