Japanese Tsuba

A superbly crafted iron Tsuba (handguard) for a Japanese katana, dating to the mid-18th century. It features an openwork design (sukashi) combined with gold and shakudo inlay depicting dragons amongst clouds. The patina of the iron is rich and chocolatey, indicating age and quality care. The tsuba was not just protection for the hand, but a canvas for the swordsmith's art and a way for the samurai to express individual taste. A small but exquisite piece of Japanese metalwork.