Owari Crashing Waves Tsuba
January 18, 2026
Owari Crashing Waves Tsuba:
Owari Tsuba are highly coveted by collectors for their function first esthetic. Made of high quality iron of the Owari Province. We see Owari Den works starting in the Muromachi Period. These guards were outfitted for Samurai warriors of the region, the epicenter of one of the most significant events in Japanese History, the unification of Japan. The success of the Owari continued into the Edo Period and left many high quality examples for collectors to appreciate and study.
Although unsigned, like many of their works, this tsuba is NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho papered to Owari School. Kantei for Owari Tsuba is based primarily on the quality of the iron. Other tells are, the presence of tekkotsu*, symmetry and many times, a square rim. Owari Tsuba have a certain look that aficionados quickly learn to identify. Their strong form reminds us of their purpose; as battle implements of the Samurai.
*Tekkotsu (鉄骨) refers to the visible “iron bones, appearing as granular, chain-like, or linear patterns, a desirable feature indicating quality steel and craftsmanship from earlier periods like Ko Tosho or Owari.
Size: 7.8cm x 7.8cm; 2.6cm ana.
An attractively priced consignment piece, for less than the cost of modern NBTHK papers.
Price: $650 USD.
