Ko-Kinko Tsuba, Cheep!

[Steve Waszak]

On offer is ko-kinko tsuba measuring 7.7cm x 7cm x 2.5-3mm in nagamaru-gata.  The material is a little tricky to identify, but appears to be yamagane/copper.  There are signs of black lacquer remaining on the surface of the guard.  The shape of the hitsu-ana point to a pre-Edo dating, perhaps late-Muromachi.  The tsuba presents with an appealing variation of surface hues (I've attached photos of the tsuba in different light to illustrate), and has a deep, resonant ring when tapped.  The size of the nakago-ana indicates the tsuba was used on a katana koshirae.  An early tsuba with a rich and varied visual presentation.  $250 plus shipping.

 

Cheers,

 

Steve