Rare Japanese Iron Tsuba Guard - Polearm of Guan Yu. Dragon. Signed. Edo Period. Circa 1750.

Rare Japanese Iron Tsuba Guard - Polearm of Guan Yu*. Signed Bushu ju Masafusa. Circa 1750. Mid Edo Period. Museum number 31G. Excellent craftsmanship.

Masafusa (of the Bushu School), a notable Japanese swordsmith known for his fine and creative workmanship. Specifically, "Bushu" is a Japanese province. A gold and silver inlaid iron tsuba with dragon spear. Superb.

Condition: Unrestored original and authentic condition, with very slight surface pitting / rusting. (This particular tsuba seemingly undocumented).

Dimensions: (very slight oval form).

Height = 6.7m.
Width = 6.5cm.
Thickness = 3-4mm.

*Remembered as a culture hero in Asian culture and is still worshipped by many people of Asian descent, and other countries today. In religious devotion, he is reverentially called the "Emperor Guan" (Guan Dì) or "Lord Guan" (Guan Gong). Guan Yu's most famous weapon is the Green Dragon Crescent Blade, also known as the Green Dragon Blade or the Azure Dragon Axe. It's a type of traditional weapon called a guandao, which is essentially a long-pole (Polearm) version of a dao (a wide, curved sword).

A tsuba (Japanese sword guard) depicting the polearm of Guan Yu typically features the Green Dragon Crescent Blade (guandao), a legendary weapon associated with the Chinese general from The Romance of the Three Kingdoms. These tsuba often showcase high-quality iron craftsmanship from the Edo period (circa 1750), depicting the iconic curved blade or Guan Yu himself. Historical Context: While Guan Yu is a Chinese figure, Japanese artists during the Edo period (1603-1868) produced skilled iron tsuba depicting Chinese legends, including the hero Guan Yu preparing to throw a spear or wielding his signature blade.