Iron Openwork Tsuba with Hollyhock, Butterbur and Mugwort Design, Echizen ju Nagatoki, 12-1840

Hollyhock, butterbur, and mugwort leaves interweave in openwork across forged iron, a design signed by Echizen ju Nagatoki.

This iron tsuba is cataloged as 12-1840 and showcases the three plants in a traditional openwork motif.

Tsuba served as protective hand guards on Japanese swords, prized worldwide for their fine craftsmanship and symbolic motifs.