A HOJU TSUBA

Details
A HOJU TSUBA
KOFUN PERIOD (CIRCA 300-645 A.D.)

The iron plate of ovoid form is pierced with six trapezoid apertures in the web. The central opening is also ovoid and is original to the plate. The surface is much pitted and rusted--height 10.5cm., width 8.2cm., thickness 6mm.

Lot Essay

This type of guard was mounted on a sword called jokoto, a straight, single-edge, chisel point blade. These guards were also made of unrefined copper (yamagane) which was then gold plated. The iron versions were occasionally decorated in fine silver wire inlay. The iron plate itself was forged in the same manner as later tsuba.