- Tsuba – Owari Iron Sukashi Tsuba – Symmetrical Crest-Like Openwork

This Owari tsuba is a strong example of the school’s preference for bold symmetry, structural clarity, and powerful iron presence. The design is built around a strict axial framework: a solid central seppa-dai anchors the composition, while four radiating divisions create balanced fields within the circular rim. The negative spaces are shaped into repeated, rounded “petal” or crest-like forms, giving the piece a formal, almost heraldic character rather than a pictorial narrative.

The plate is notably robust, with a thick, confidently rounded mimi that dominates the silhouette and reinforces the distinctly martial feeling typical of Owari work. The sukashi is cut deeply and decisively, with sturdy webs that maintain tension and stability across the openwork. The iron surface carries a dark, mature patina and a subtly compact texture, emphasizing forging quality over decorative surface finish. Copper sekigane at the nakago-ana indicate practical adaptation to mounting and honest historical use.

Overall, the tsuba communicates the essential Owari virtues—strength, order, and disciplined geometry—and its NBTHK Hozon status confirms it as a representative and collectible example of the tradition.

Dimension

77,2 mm x 78,5 mm x 6,0 mm (Seppa) - 7,4 mm (Mimi), 106,5 g