Owari tsuba with triple diamonds and wild geese (sangaibishi)

Edo Period, 17th century

Iron pierced with positive openwork design

Marugata: 7.9 x 7.8 cm

Thickness: 0.6 cm

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Tōsogu

Attributes: Marugata, tetsu-ji, ji-sukashi, marumimi

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 not only from right to left, but also from top to bottom, 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. 

This tsuba show a typical Owari pattern, with a symmetric design of lozenges and geese.

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