Tsuba, Iron, engraved brass inlay, Tsuba are disk-shaped metal sword guards that prevent the palm of the hand from slipping past the hilt and onto the blade. This tsuba was made during the Keicho period (1596–1615), a time when metalsmiths were beginning to transition from the production of Kyoto swords (old swords in traditional vernacular styles), and began to produce Shinto swords (new swords)., This iron tsuba is shinmaru gata (a true circle) in shape, has a migaki (smooth) surface, and is decorated with an inlaid brass design of a kakiwaki kiri (branch of the paulownia tree)

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Photo credit: © Artokoloro / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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