Excellent Early Umetada Iron Tsuba

[Steve Waszak]

This is a really fine early Umetada iron sword guard.  It presents with a floral motif (species of flower unidentified), with a single hitsu-ana for the kozuka.  While at first glance a relatively unassuming tsuba, the color, patina, very subtle and deft hammerwork, together with its condition make it an excellent piece.  I am moving this only because it doesn't fit in my collecting focus (Owari Province works), as the above features warrant its being a keeper.  The color is a deep blue-black, which is not commonly encountered in iron tsuba, where more of a rust-colored iron is the norm.  I have included a photo here of the tsuba next to an entry from Sasano's "Early Japanese Sword Guards:  Sukashi Tsuba," where he identifies a very similar work (including the nakadaka shape, where the seppa-dai is thicker than the rim), as "Ko-Umetada," and locates that tsuba in the mid-Muromachi Period.  I think his dating here is a bit ambitious, but have no problem putting the present piece in the Momoyama Period.  This is an elegant, graceful swordguard that I am sorely tempted to keep, despite its not fitting in my collecting focus.  Measurements are 7.8cm x 7.7 cm x 6mm at the seppadai, 4.5mm at the rim.  $475.  

 

 

[Marius]

Absolutely iconic. The iron is to die for, amazing quality. The price is ridiculously attractive. For that amount of money you can buy two very average tsuba or something like that. This here is a masterpiece. 

[Infinite_Wisdumb]

59 minutes ago, Marius said:

Absolutely iconic. The iron is to die for, amazing quality. The price is ridiculously attractive. For that amount of money you can buy two very average tsuba or something like that. This here is a masterpiece. 

where are you for my sales items @Marius 

[Steve Waszak]

Sorry, just seeing this now.  This tsuba has been SOLD.  

 

Thanks for the kinds words once again, Marius!  

[Marius]

That went fast. As it should! Someone got a great tsuba, congrats!