Tsuba (1) - Steel - Japan - Edo Period (1600-1868)

Tsuba Sukashi Heianjo from the early or mid-EDO period, an iron wheel with bronze vine leaves. Very fine. Both the wheel and the vine represent the cycle of life, a theme which was very popular in the figurative art of medieval Japan, and reincarnation, a typical theme of the Buddhist religious tradition. A 400 year old piece of history, rare and well preserved. The same Tsuba is also represented and depicted in the book "Japanese swords guards" by Gary Murtha, an expert in Japanese history and a great collector and writer of books focusing on Tsuba wheels. Paulownia wood box included. The book is not included but can be purchased separately and optionally if desired. It also contains other Tsuba images from my collection that are for sale here on the website. -------------------------------------------------------