Iron Tsuba with Fudō Myōō and Senju Kannon Motif in Openwork / Muromachi Period, 16th century

Iron tsuba of circular (maru-gata) form with black patina, forged in openwork (sukashi) in the Ko-Katchūshi tradition. The symmetrical composition forms a vertical, mandala-like arrangement centred on a stylised sacred jewel (hōju, 宝珠) above the nakago ana, and a three-pronged vajra (kongōsho, 金剛杵) below, signifying the fusion of spiritual wealth and indestructible wisdom.

Flanking the central aperture are two architectural forms—possibly stylised stupas or stone lanterns—each enclosing a Siddhaṃ-script bīja (seed syllable) in openwork:

• On the right: हूं (hūṃ), representing Wrathful Guardian of Immutable Truth (Fudō Myōō, Acala, Bùdòng Míngwáng) — a fierce protector deity embodying unshakable spiritual discipline and the cutting power of wisdom.

• On the left: ह्रीः (hrīḥ), representing Embodiment of Infinite Compassion (Senju Kannon, Sahasrabhuja Avalokiteśvara, Qiānshǒu Guānyīn) — the thousand-armed manifestation of mercy and benevolent watchfulness over all sentient beings.

These two figures together express the esoteric Buddhist duality of wrath and compassion, discipline and mercy. Their pairing reflects core themes in Shingon Buddhism and was likely intended as a spiritual safeguard for the sword’s bearer. The absence of hitsu-ana suggests early functional use on a tachi or pre-modern katana mounting.

Measurements:
Diameter: 97.6 mm
Thickness: 2.4 mm at seppa-dai; the mimi is 5.4 mm

Provenance: Patrick Liebermann Collection