The John Bannister Collection - D-Day and Militaria
Lot 2294:
Description
This pair of Japanese tsuba (sword guards) represents distinct styles of Edo-period metalwork, likely crafted for a katana or wakizashi. The first is a robust maru-gata (round) iron guard featuring a two-character mei (signature) near the nakago-ana, which typically represents the maker’s name. The signature appears to belong to the Shoami school or possibly the Tetsugendo school, both known for their durable iron work during the Edo period. The second is a more ornate mokko-gata (four-lobed) guard, demonstrating a layered or “sandwich” construction visible on the rim, accented with gold-colored zogan (metal inlay) along the borders. These pieces illustrate the balance between utilitarian protection and the status of the samurai class. Both show significant signs of age, including a heavy dark brown patina, surface oxidation, pitting, and some loss to the decorative gilding on the lobed piece. H 3″, W 3″, D 0.25″
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