Iron Ginko Leaf Tsuba

Ginko trees were brought from China are seen throughout Japan especially around shrines and temples. The influence of it can be seen in kimonos, paintings, and even in the sport of Sumo where the hair is arranged to resemble the ginko leaf. The nuts of the ginko are eaten and used for medicinal qualities. This tsuba is iron with incised veining on the leaves. At 8.3 cm x 8.1 cm x 4 mm thick it's quite large and would accomodate a big blade. There are a few brass inlays on this piece and places were losses are evident. The incisions lead me to believe there was brass inlay in the vein incisions, and this is either a Kinai or Heianjyo school piece that has been restored. Priced accordingly as a good mountable piece.

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