{"product_id":"antique-japanese-sakura-sukashi-iron-tsuba","title":"Antique Japanese Sakura Sukashi Iron Tsuba (Cherry Blossom Openwork Sword Guard)","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"137\" data-end=\"551\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"137\" data-end=\"148\"\u003eObject:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tsuba (Sword Guard)\u003cbr data-start=\"168\" data-end=\"171\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"171\" data-end=\"181\"\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sakura Sukashi Tsuba (桜透鍔)\u003cbr data-start=\"208\" data-end=\"211\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"211\" data-end=\"224\"\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hand-forged iron\u003cbr data-start=\"241\" data-end=\"244\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"244\" data-end=\"255\"\u003eSchool:\u003c\/strong\u003e Unknown\u003cbr data-start=\"263\" data-end=\"266\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"266\" data-end=\"277\"\u003ePeriod:\u003c\/strong\u003e Edo period (17th–19th century)\u003cbr data-start=\"320\" data-end=\"323\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"323\" data-end=\"338\"\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e approx 7.8 cm diameter\u003cbr data-start=\"351\" data-end=\"354\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"354\" data-end=\"368\"\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Good antique condition with an even russet-brown patina, age-related wear, minor edge softening, and light surface oxidation consistent with age. No major losses or repairs observed.\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"553\" data-end=\"951\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"553\" data-end=\"563\"\u003eNotes:\u003c\/strong\u003e This elegant iron tsuba employs the \u003cem data-start=\"600\" data-end=\"609\"\u003esukashi\u003c\/em\u003e (openwork) technique to depict a stylized cherry blossom (\u003cem data-start=\"668\" data-end=\"676\"\u003esakura\u003c\/em\u003e) in full bloom. Eight rounded petals radiate from a compact central \u003cem data-start=\"745\" data-end=\"756\"\u003eseppa-dai\u003c\/em\u003e, producing a design that is both highly decorative and structurally refined. The open spaces reduce visual weight while allowing light to pass through, giving the guard a quiet sense of balance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"953\" data-end=\"1262\"\u003eUnlike many sword fittings that rely on elaborate carving or precious metal inlay, this example demonstrates the restrained beauty of forged iron. The rich surface patina has developed naturally over centuries of handling and oxidation, emphasizing the simplicity of the design and the quality of the forging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1264\" data-end=\"1617\"\u003eCherry blossoms have long symbolized the fleeting nature of life in Japanese culture, making the motif particularly appropriate for a sword guard carried by members of the warrior class. The design combines elegance with functional strength, illustrating how even utilitarian objects were elevated through thoughtful craftsmanship during the Edo period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1619\" data-end=\"1901\"\u003eToday, tsuba are appreciated not only by collectors of Japanese arms and armor but also as sculptural works of metalwork in their own right. This example displays beautifully on a stand and complements collections of samurai art, Japanese antiques, or minimalist decorative objects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1903\" data-end=\"2134\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1903\" data-end=\"1916\"\u003eKeywords:\u003c\/strong\u003e sakura tsuba, cherry blossom tsuba, sukashi tsuba, iron tsuba, Japanese sword guard, Edo period tsuba, samurai sword fitting, antique tsuba, Japanese metalwork, katana tsuba, wakizashi tsuba, tosogu, Sosaku Collection\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sosaku Collection","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47989601042597,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0477\/4258\/2949\/files\/antique-japanese-sakura-sukashi-iron-tsuba.jpg?v=1783465866","url":"https:\/\/sosakucollection.com\/products\/antique-japanese-sakura-sukashi-iron-tsuba","provider":"Sosaku Collection","version":"1.0","type":"link"}