An iron tsuba, the hand guard of a Japanese sword, decorated with a mythical character carrying the Pearl of Wisdom beneath a tree, with gold highlights picking out the design. It measures 2 13/16 inches, or 7.2 cm, in vertical height. No signature, school or period is given in the listing, and the guard is sold as used.

Iron tsuba with figural subjects and gold highlights suit a Pennsylvania collector who wants a narrative piece rather than a plain openwork guard, and the Pearl of Wisdom motif is one that reads clearly even at a glance. At just under three inches tall it is a modest size, which matters if you intend to mount it on a blade; measure the tang opening against your blade first. Otherwise it displays well on a small stand with the gold catching the light.

Key features

• Iron tsuba, gold highlights
• Mythical character with Pearl of Wisdom under a tree
• Vertical height 2 13/16 inches (7.2 cm)
• Used condition

Sword guards ship to your door in Pennsylvania; an adult signature may be required.