Oval plate, with raised rounded rim and symmetrical sukashi, possibly of modified bracken motif.  No evidence of use with kozuka or kogai.   Considerable amounts of black lacquer remain on the plate and around the rim.  Thinness of the nakago ana suggests mounting on an o-tanto or koshigatana. This is a totally unaltered, ubu piece and is thus very rare.

I have run a compositional analysis on this tsuba using Scanning Electron Microscopy, to confirm that it is a bronze with a composition of approximately 81% copper, 15% lead and 4% tin.  This composition would have made this tsuba too soft for battlefield use.  Likely this was made to accessorize a koshigatana koshirae, and due to the lighter feel and careful sukashi, perhaps a Kyoto style.

6.2 cm x 5.95cm, 2.5 mm at the seppadai, and 3.5mm at the rim.   Early Muromachi Period (ca. 1390 - 1450).

Similar item:  The Picture Book of Old Tsuba,  R. Burawoy, 1983. no. 16

 SOLD