Pair of Japanese iron tsuba (sword guard), mounted on a stand, dating from the 17th/19th century with Hidden Christian motifs. The first tsuba composed of three iron interlocking circles, the image of the Cross can be seen. The second iron tsuba has a very delicate wire design in the interior representing the Crown of Thorns, also has a cross in the overall pattern.

Provenance Private Collector
Dates 17th-19th century
Size w/stand H 9 1/4" x W 2 1/2" x D 2"

This is an awesome Gunto Imperial Japan Military Katana Sword in Black Koshirae fitting, made during the Showa period (1926-1989), by the Gunto swordsmith KANEHARU 兼玄: (Index of Japanese Swordsmiths by Markus Sesko), from the Seki School (Modern Japanese Swords and Swordsmiths, by Leon and Hiropo Kapp). The sword's nakago has been marked as shown in the photos. The blade has a bright and clean polish, and it is in excellent condition...

This is an awesome Eisho Era Signed and Date Long Wakisashi (Almost Katana length) Sword in Shirasaya fitting, made by SADAHIRO 貞弘 (1505 -1521) Eisho, Muromachi Period, Iwami Province, Japan. SADAHIRO 貞弘, as listed in page 99 of the Index of Japanese Swordsmiths by Markus Sesko, and shown as SA 23 in "Japanese Swordsmiths by W. M. Hawley...

Japanese iron helmet inlaid with silver and gold. Made by 6 riveted iron plates. The dragon and cloud inlay is damascened (nunome zogan), the water drops in silver are in strong relief. At the front is riveted a circular steel plate representing a dragon. Signed by Shige Katsu. At the beginning of the 17th century, a Myochin Shige Katsu was working for the Date clan in Sandaï, it is certainly him...

Early Edo Myochin Signed Nimai Do with Nanban influence featuring gilded kusazuri and sode laced with blue chord dated Genwa 3 (1620). There are rows of Prominent rivets all about with nobori-kiri crests on the top of the munaita. Comes with an old wrapping cloth dyed with the same crest. The Hon-kozane Kusazuri are removable, attached to two leather belts suspended from iron tongs about the waist. The takahimo shoulder straps are wrapped in leather...

An original Edo period kōsatsu public proclamation dated Tenwa I (1681) detailing the laws against Christianity, rewards for turning in a Christian to the authorities, as well as punishment for the offenders. Of cypress wood with sumi ink, and a hand-forged iron loop for suspension from a post or gate. The signboard has a shallow peaked “roof” to protect the calligraphy from the rain...

Rare and exceptional tanto of the Koto period with a polishing perfectly revealing the metallurgical qualities of the blade accompanied by a completely extraordinary lacquer and inlays sheath. The blade is in hira zukuri with a forge (hada) itame, a quenching in suguha. The tip (boshi) is chu maru. On the nakago in ubu keitai there are 2 mekugi ana...

17th Century Japanese Samurai Sword Katana

It is 27.2 inches (69.1 cm) long by 1.7 inches (4.4 cm) wide and the blade is 20.6 inches (52.3 cm) in length by 1.1 inches (2.8 cm) wide. It is 1.5 lb.

It is missing a handle. The saya has stains, surface wears, and scratches. The blade has rust, flea bite chips, oxidation, and surface wears and scratches (as seen in the photos).

Our Guarantee: We stand behind all of the items that we sell...

Cut iron tsuba. Decor of dragons and sacred pearls. Inside the beads, tiny iron balls are mobile. The style is called Namban. This kind of tsuba is little represented without however being rare. But the model presented here is exceptionally of excellent quality. Indeed the blacksmith has cut out his pattern excessively finely like an iron lace. We do not know of a model with such thin wires cut at the extreme limit of the constraints of the metal...

Of Hon-kozane Ni-mai-do type composed of thin bands with multicolored silk lacing. A 62-plates Akoda-nari suji-kabuto in brown iron, signed Myochin Yoshihiza. A finely chiseled bronze and gilt brass tehen with 5 levels. The golden brass kuwagata dai is carved with a floral decoration. The fukigaeshi are covered with leather and 6 rivets. The mabizashi is also covered with leather and silk strap, riveted and fukurin...

A rare and beautiful Japanese KOZUKA KNIFE HANDLE of a by-knife that is part of a sword mounting. It is kept in a slot on the reverse side of a Kattana Scabbard, often with a matching Kogai. It depicts the Gatekeepers arm-wrestling, EDO PERIOD (1603-1868). Shakudo alloy with GOLD decorated appliqué of the Guardian Kings AGYO and UNGYO. Size: 9.5 cm x 1.4 cm.

A very rare find indeed, two early to mid Edo period matching Kashi-gusoku Yoroi from the same armory featuring Momonari Kabuto and Hotoke-Ni-Mai Do decorated with jagged bands of gold. A very impressive set. The sleeves are patterned blue and white hemp. The thumb on one sleeve is missing and the two hinge pins. There are broken strings and damage to the lacquer consistent with age and the fact this armor was handed out to soldiers, likely often for guard duties and escorts, and so did see ...

A pair of Japanese lacquered iron abumi (stirrups) decorated in gold lacquer on a roiro ground with Ni-o, also known as Kongo Rikishi with delicate scrolling background, the interior in red lacquer. Edo period (probably 17th century). 11 1/8" high, 4 3/4" wide, 12" long.

A pair of Japanese lacquered iron abumi (stirrups) decorated with gold lacquer on a roiro ground. It has butterfly family crests (mon) in the center of a scrolling leaf and flower border, the interior in red lacquer.

The butterfly design was a favorite among the aristocrats and was seen in their belongings, ox-carts and attire during the Heian period (794-1192). They were also seen in armor of the Heike (Taira family) before power was shifted to the Genji (Minamoto family) samurai. It ...

Japanese Mid-Edo Period Akao Tsuba with exotic palm tree design. The palm design is done in great detail and realism. Signed YOSHITSUGU. The Tsuba measures 2 13/16" tall, 2 3/4" wide and 5/32" thick.

A Late 18th Century Japanese suit of armor. This suit is an example of blue laced HON KOZANE NIMAI-DO GUSOKU. Seated height of 79" to tip of feather, 18" wide at the chest an 13" deep. Comes with storage box which is also used as seat.

Silver canines gleam menacingly in the corners of the mouth of this terrifying Edo period sabiji-nuri iron Menpo face mask. It has a three lame nodokake also with sabiji-nuri, laced with tight blue chord. The mustache is a bit ragged and there are typical chips around the edges from use.

Late 18th to early 19th century Japanese lacquer 5-compartment inro with a stunning design of a dragon!

It has a fantastic lacquer work called Maki-E. The inside is covered with precious Nashiji Gold Dust. This techique was only used for luxury items for the most famous Samurai fighter.

The material of the Netsuke and the string fastener (ojime) is Kotsu, a delicate work.

Very good condition with only little damages due to the high age. Please look at the phot...