Heianjo
Iron Sukashi Tsuba
Momoyma Period

Dimensions: 68 mm x 64 mm
Thickness: 3 mm mimi / 4 mm nakago-ana

This is a highly charming old Heianjo tsuba. This is the kind of work that conveys its quality very clearly in hand but is hard to appreciate in photos. The inlay in this guard has developed a heavy patina over the last 500 years and is almost the same color as the ji now. This inlay consists of brass, sliver and copper. This is "true" inlay. The channels are actually cut into the web and then each soft metal element is cut and fitted. You can see one small section of missing inlay (otherwise, all of the inlay is present) in the close up. Its important to note that the shinchu (brass) in this work has the orange color that is a kantei point for older Heianjo tsuba. This is not an expensive item due to its size and market trends but it is easily a work that belongs in a high-level collection.

-HOLD-

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