East Asia, Japan, Edo to early Meiji era, ca. 19th century CE. An iron tsuba sword guard of rounded rectangular form, decorated in relief with gilt and silver-washed motifs of flowering plants and a lively komainu (lion dog) striding along the lower edge. The dark iron ground provides contrast to the mixed-metal inlay, highlighting the layered petals, leaves, and expressive features of the guardian beast. Size: 3.2" L x 3" W (8.1 cm x 7.6 cm); gold quality: 4% to 19% (1K to 4K+)

Provenance: private Sheffield, Massachusetts, USA collection

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Item # 199447

  • Condition: Good. Some fading and rubbing to gilt and silver areas. Pitting and iron with chips around the central opening, but otherwise intact.

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by Artemis Fine Arts
June 25, 2026 9:00 AM MDT
686 S. Taylor Avenue
Suite 108
Louisville, CO, US 80027

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000