Owari tsuba with crossbar and Chikiri kamon

Edo Period, 17th Century

Iron pierced with positive openwork design

Diameter: 7.8 cm

Thickness: 0.6 cm

NBTHK Hozon Tōsogu

Specifications: Marugata tetsu-ji, ji-sukashi, kakumimi koniku

Elegant iron tsuba with positive openwork design of a large band and two kamon (family crest) of chikiri type, representing weaver’s beams.

For centuries, many characteristics of the Owari school have been appreciated and held in high esteem by the Samurai, expressing their aesthetic standards. Many of Owari designs have a  symmetric design, showing profound strength and dignity. As in this case, the iron plate graduates from the rim towards the thinner seppa-dai, which is usually squared. Tekkotsu appear on the rim, strengthening the elegant dignity of the tsuba.

The great authority on Japanese swords and fittings, Akiyama Kyusaku (1844-1936), once stated that from the standpoint of a swordsman no other school can match the standards of the Owari school. Many scholars and collectors believe they are the ultimate ji-sukashi tsuba. 

The tsuba comes with a Hozon Tōsogu certificate (fitting worth of preservation) issued by Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai.