Antique Japanese Samurai Iron Tsuba Sword Hilt Bores Eye & Clouds Etched
Antique Japanese Samurai Iron Tsuba Sword Hilt Bores Eye & Clouds Etched
This is an antique Japanese Edo period (c.1596-1868) tsuba (handguard) for a tsuba is made with typical forged steel and is in the shape of a mokkogata etched with outward radiating lines known as a "Bores Eye" or Amida Yori-"the shining light of the Buddha" (the Buddha in this case being the tip of the blade of the sword when pointed at an opponent). Etched over these lines are deeper etched cloud forms. It's all ringed by a rope texture. While this was never affixed to a sword the age is evident by the overall oxidization of the iron tkottsu near the nakago hitsu ana.
A beautiful example of samurai craftsmanship. It measures about 3 1/2" (7.5 cm) by 3 1/4" (7.5 cm) wide and 1/4" (.5cm) thick. Having been lovingly and carefully displayed by 3 generations of collectors, it remains in fine condition.