Antique Japanese Iron Tsuba with Dog, Chrysanthemums & Silver Inlay | Edo Period

Artist: Unknown
Title: Dog and Chrysanthemum Tsuba (犬菊紋銀象嵌)
Medium: Forged iron with silver inlay (zōgan)
Edition: One-of-a-kind
Year: Edo period (circa 18th–19th century)
Height / Dimensions: Approx. 7.4 cm diameter
Condition: Good antique condition with rich natural patina, age-related wear, surface oxidation, and losses to some inlaid decoration consistent with age and use.

Notes:
At first glance this appears to be a quietly understated iron tsuba, but the details gradually reveal themselves. A small seated dog rests near the rim, looking upward beneath a spray of chrysanthemums and grasses delicately rendered with silver and mixed-metal inlay. The restrained decoration occupies only a small portion of the guard, allowing the dark forged iron and centuries of accumulated patina to remain the dominant visual impression.

The combination of dog and chrysanthemum is an appealing one. Chrysanthemums have long symbolized longevity and the autumn season in Japan, while the small dog introduces an unexpected note of warmth and personality. Rather than presenting an elaborate scene, the maker chose to let a few carefully placed elements animate an otherwise austere surface.

The iron has developed an attractive, uneven texture from age and handling, giving the tsuba a sculptural presence even when displayed independently of a sword. It is equally suited to traditional display on a tsuba stand or presented as a small work of Japanese metal art.

Keywords: antique tsuba, Japanese sword guard, Edo period, iron tsuba, silver inlay, zōgan, dog motif, chrysanthemum, Japanese metalwork, samurai, tosogu, autumn motif, one of a kind