Tsuba mode japonais en fer de QUALITÉ MUSÉE avec poème inscrit signé Edo Sword Guard

■Shows signs of age including dirt, scratches and rust.

MUSEUM-QUALITY Japanese Iron Tsuba with Inscribed Poem Signed Edo Period Sword Guard

MUSEUM-QUALITY Japanese Iron Tsuba with Inscribed Ki no Tomonori Poem - Signed Edo Period Sword Guard

This extraordinary listing features a rare signed iron tsuba (sword guard) inscribed with a famous waka poem by Ki no Tomonori, one of the renowned Thirty-Six Immortal Poets of Japan from the early Heian Period (794-1185).

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE:

The tsuba is beautifully engraved with Ki no Tomonoris celebrated poem about plum blossoms:

"Kimi narade / Tare ni ka misen / Ume no hana / Iro wo mo ka wo mo / Shiru hito zo shiru"

Translation: "To whom but you would I show this plum blossom? Only someone who truly understands can appreciate both its color and fragrance."

Ki no Tomonori was a court official and prominent poet of the early Heian period, serving as a government secretary (Dainariki) and achieving the rank of Rokui (Sixth Rank). He is immortalized as one of Japans Thirty-Six Immortal Poets (Sanjūrokkasen).

DETAILS:

- Type: Iron tsuba (sword guard) with kanji inscription

- Era: Edo Period (17th-19th century)

- Material: Iron with engraved kanji characters

- Design: Famous waka poem by Ki no Tomonori

- Signed work with historical significance

DIMENSIONS:

- Height: Approximately 8.8cm (3.46 inches)

- Width: Approximately 8.1cm (3.19 inches)

- Thickness: Approximately 4mm (0.16 inches)

CONDITION:

Good condition considering age with some patina and wear consistent with Edo period artifacts. Please examine all photos carefully.

INCLUDES:

Custom storage box (box may differ from the one shown in photos)

This exceptional tsuba represents the beautiful intersection of Japanese literary tradition and martial craftsmanship. The integration of classical poetry into samurai sword fittings demonstrates the refined cultural sensibilities of Japans warrior class.

A truly remarkable collectors piece of significant cultural and historical importance.