Hand guard

About this artwork

Bruikleen van de Koninklijke Vereniging van Vrienden der Aziatische Kunst (legaat Westendorp-Osieck, 1968)

Art Historical Context

This exquisite *Hand guard* (tsuba), crafted by the skilled Japanese artisan Mitsuhiro (II) between 1800 and1850, exemplifies the masterful metalwork of Japan's Edo period. Measuring just 7.3 cm high and 7 cm wide, this iron piece served as a protective guard on a samurai sword, separating the blade from the hilt to shield the wielder's hand during combat. Today, it stands as a loaned treasure (*bruikleen*) from the Konink Vereniging van Vrienden der Aziatische Kunst, via the Westendorp-Osieck legacy of 1968, highlighting its enduring cultural value. In the hierarchical world of samurai cultu...