Tsuba - Magnificent Large Mino Tsuba with Chrysanthemums (Ansei Era)

Magnificent Large Mino Tsuba with Chrysanthemums (Ansei Era), Shakudō Nanako-ji with Gold Iroe Inlay — With Original Signed Kiri Box

This impressive tsuba is an exceptional example of refined late-Edo Mino craftsmanship. Measuring over 10 cm in height and weighing more than 250 grams, it belongs to the rare category of oversized guards intended for high-ranking or ceremonial mountings.

The piece is forged from lustrous black shakudō and finished with an extraordinarily fine nanako-ji ground, composed of thousands of perfectly uniform granulations. Against this textured surface unfolds a luxurious arrangement of chrysanthemums—symbols of longevity and intimately connected with Imperial authority in Japan. The blossoms, executed in high relief and enriched with delicate kebori engraving, are highlighted with gold iroe inlay that contrasts beautifully with the deep shakudō field. Both sides of the tsuba display nearly identical detail, underscoring the maker’s technical mastery.

Though unsigned, the quality strongly indicates a top-tier Mino atelier of the mid-19th century. The era attribution is supported by the original kiribako (paulownia storage box), which bears a hakogaki by Kaneyama-sensei identifying the piece as dating to the Ansei period (1854–1860). The box shows edge losses consistent with age but remains an important part of the tsuba’s provenance.

The tsuba exhibits expected age patination, minor wear, and small areas of color loss, yet the overall relief work and surface finish remain remarkably crisp. Its substantial weight and imposing scale further contribute to its presence as a museum-grade object.

Accompanied by original kiri box with hakogaki by Kaneyama-sensei (box with partial edge losses).

Tha Hakogaki translates:

Outside:

菊花図鐔
右上）美濃　無銘

“Chrysanthemum-design Tsuba
(Mino, unsigned)”

Inside:

長丸形赤銅地
鋤出高肉彫色絵
菊花図鐔
時代　安政
昭和庚戌孟春
寒山識

“Long-oval shakudō-ground tsuba,
with carved and raised high-relief decoration and colored inlay,
depicting chrysanthemum flowers.
Period: Ansei era.
Written by Kanzan, early spring of the year Kōjutsu (Shōwa period).”

(The two red seals at the bottom are Kanzan’s seals.)

Dimension 98,1mm x 107,3 mm x 4,6 mm (4,2 mm) 258,7 g