NihontoWatchNihontoWatchQ781. Iron tsuba with brass inlay. 7.4 x 7.8 x .55 cm on the raised rim. The nakago hitsu-ana is .9 x 2.7 cm. I showed this tsuba to a recognized authority at the recent San Francisco show; he thinks it is early (Muromachi) Heianjo Zogan. The brass appears to represent some sort of flare with a banner attached. Some of the brass is missing, lost to age, but most remains. The raised rim: dote mimi or kan mimi, is interesting in that it seems to have been made of alternating denser and milder steel, yielding a subtle play of light over the surface. Nice soft black patina.
NihontoWatchOffered by Japanese Sword Books and Tsuba
Unsigned
We could not find an authenticity certificate on the seller’s listing. Japanese swords and fittings are normally papered by the NBTHK (or the NTHK). Without one, the attribution is the seller’s own assessment and has not been independently verified — treat it with caution and ask the dealer about certification before buying.
3-day return window from receipt.