Brass tsuba in the shape of wisteria leaf, gilded in gold.  This style of tsuba - brass gilded with gold were supposedly made to resemble Buddhist articles.  The wisteria is a mon commonly associated with braches of the Fujiwara clan.  It is likely this tsuba belonged to a member of the Fujiwara clan who had taken Buddhist vows and was a member of some monastic order.   The choice of wisteria done in gilded brass would have reinforced both their rank, clan affiliation and Buddhist association.  The depth of carving is impressive, and the darker brass colour both attractive and indicative of the age of this tsuba.  The indentation for the saya implement is original, as it is also gilded.

Late Muromachi period (early to mid 16th c.)

7.45 cm x 6.8 cm x 0.25 cm

Other items from the Robert E. Haynes collection
 

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