【Important notes】 ・International Buyers: Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping charges. These charges are the buyer’s responsibility. ・Please check with your country’s customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding/buying. These duties are paid to your country's customs office and not to us. Prompt payment of these fees is necessary to ensure delivery of your item. ・Please note: VAT paid to Catawiki is separate from and do not cover import duties, or customs charges in your country. You may still be required to pay additional fees upon delivery, as determined by your local customs authorities. 【Product details】 This Edo Period iron sword guard, or tsuba, features a beautifully crafted openwork design depicting roubai (old plum blossom). The plum blossom is a symbol of resilience and perseverance, as it blooms in the cold of winter, often before the snow has melted. The intricate cut-out design showcases the delicate branches and blossoms of the plum tree, a motif that has long been cherished in Japanese art and culture. This tsuba comes with a TOKUBETSU KICHO certificate issued by the prestigious NBTHK (Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai - Society for the Preservation of Japanese Art Swords), recognizing it as a particularly precious sword fitting. Signs of age, including some wear and rust, are present, adding character to this historic piece. Please refer to the photos for a detailed view of the condition. The tsuba is housed in a wooden box, making it a well-preserved collectible for any enthusiast of Japanese sword fittings. Dimensions: approx. H 8.2 cm W 8.2 cm D 0.4 cm ・Please make sure to review all the provided information and images before placing your bid. ・We make every effort to accurately represent the product's colors and textures in our photos. However, due to differences in monitors and device displays, as well as photographic conditions, slight color variations between the photos and the actual product may occur. We ask for your understanding in advance. Thank you for your interest, and happy bidding!