Edo Period Style / Possibly 18th–19th Century
Offered here is a Japanese sword guard, or tsuba, of rounded oval form, decorated with a Daruma design. Daruma is the Japanese name for Bodhidharma, the Indian/South Asian Buddhist patriarch traditionally associated with the transmission of Zen Buddhism. Daruma is a well-known subject in Japanese art and appears in paintings, netsuke, sword fittings, and other decorative objects.
The tsuba is made in dark patinated metal, probably iron, with an elongated central tang opening known as the nakago-ana, through which the sword tang would pass. Around the plate are irregular openwork piercings, or sukashi, incorporated into the overall design. The surface is decorated in relief with flowing branch-, root-, or landscape-like forms surrounding the central aperture. This type of raised carving may be described generally as takabori, with areas of lower relief and textured carving across the plate. The surface has a deep black-brown patina with lighter rubbing to the raised high points, giving the piece a visibly aged and handled appearance.
One side features a small figure of Daruma, shown as a robed figure with a rounded head, stern facial features, and a ring-shaped earring. The small gold-colored highlights, including the eyes and earring, appear to be metal inlay, described in Japanese sword-fitting terminology as zogan. If the inlay is gold, it may be referred to as kin-zogan; if it is set flush into the surface, it may be described as hirazogan. There are also small gold- or copper-colored accents near the upper edge of the nakago-ana.
The surrounding design includes organic, sinuous carved forms and radiating plant-like motifs, possibly suggesting pine needles, chrysanthemums, or stylized foliage. Several pierced openings create a layered, sculptural effect, with the sukashi work blending into the relief-carved design. The overall impression is that of a highly decorative Japanese sword fitting with a Buddhist subject and strong pictorial character.
Based on the subject matter, construction, and comparison with other Japanese Daruma tsuba and Edo-period sword fittings, this piece appears consistent with Edo-period style work, and it may date to the 18th or 19th century. However, I am not an expert and cannot guarantee the exact age, school, maker, metal composition, or authenticity. Please review all photographs carefully and make your own judgment.
Condition is as shown in the photographs. The piece shows age-related wear, patina, oxidation, surface texture, and rubbing to raised areas. There may be old losses, casting flaws, corrosion, casting irregularities, or later alterations. No cleaning or restoration has been attempted by me. The photographs are an important part of the description.
This item is being sold as shown. Attribution, age, material, and terminology are based on visual inspection and comparison only and are not guaranteed. Buyers should rely on their own knowledge, judgment, and the photographs when bidding or purchasing.