Sword Guard Tsuba Brass Kitsune (Fox) Under a Pine Tree

This antique Japanese tsuba (sword guard) is a beautifully crafted piece made of brass, showcasing a tranquil woodland scene rich in symbolism and fine detail. The design features a seated fox beneath a towering pine tree, rendered in soft relief with silver-toned highlights that bring life to the textured fur and natural surroundings. The fox, often associated in Japanese folklore with intelligence, transformation, and spiritual messengers (kitsune), appears poised and alert, gazing upward beneath a canopy of stylized pine branches—symbols of longevity and resilience. Scattered blossoms and a subtly inscribed signature add to the narrative and visual depth of the piece. The tsuba includes the traditional nakago-ana (blade opening) and a single hitsu-ana, maintaining its functional integrity while serving as an artistic expression of Edo-period aesthetics. With its warm patina and balanced composition, this brass tsuba is a captivating addition to any collection of samurai artifacts or Japanese decorative arts.

Weight: 168.2 Grams

Measurements: 76.5 x 70 x 6.5mm

Metal: Brass

Item #: BR-1621-061225-16