Large ko-tosho tsuba with dragonfly motif - Edo 17th-18th c.

Superb and rare large-format tsuba maru gata featuring a large stylized tonbo dragonfly (whose body forms a "un/premier" 一).

This tsuba is of the late 17th / early 18th c. ko-tosho type.
Note the presence of a very well-preserved seki gane (wedge used to hold the blade in the nakago ana).

Another special feature of this beautiful tsuba is its thinness of under 2mm... which in no way limits the strength of the sword guard.
A fine example of the ko-tosho type, bringing to life a stylized dragonfly coming to feel the edge of the blade passing through the nakago ana... and thus symbolizing the transmission of courage to the bearer of the sword.
Sold in wooden box.