Sword Guard Tsuba Brass Squirrel Pine Tree

This beautifully detailed antique Japanese tsuba (sword guard) is a fine example of Edo-period craftsmanship, featuring a serene woodland scene rendered in bronze with mixed-metal inlay. The design depicts a finely detailed silver-inlaid squirrel foraging beneath a gnarled pine tree, whose textured branches and flowing trunk extend across the upper and right sides of the composition. The tsuba’s circular form is balanced and symmetrical, with a warm, naturally aged patina that enhances the depth of its sculpted elements. The central nakago-ana (blade opening) and twin hitsu-ana (for kozuka and kogai) remain well-defined and functional, showcasing the piece’s original utility while preserving its artistic value. Rich in symbolism—pine trees representing longevity and squirrels symbolizing preparation and alertness—this tsuba is both a protective fitting and a storytelling artifact. Ideal for collectors of samurai arms or traditional Japanese metalwork, it embodies harmony between nature, craftsmanship, and martial heritage. Weight: 180.5 GramsMeasurements: 80 x 76 x 6mmMetal: Brass Item #: BR-1621-061225-18