Sword Guard (Tsuba)
Unknown Artist
18th century
Medium
Iron, gold, copper
Dimensions
Diam. 3 1/4 in. (8.3 cm); thickness 3/16 in. (0.5 cm); Wt. 3.7 oz. (104.9 g)
Classification
Sword Furniture-Tsuba
Culture
Japanese
Department
Arms and Armor
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Funds from various donors, 1946
Accession Number
46.122.11
Art Historical Context
This exquisite *Sword Guard (Tsub)* from 18th-century Japan exemplifies the masterful metalwork of the Edo period, when samurai swords evolved from battlefield weapons into symbols of refined artistry and social status. As a key component of the sword's hilt (koshirae), the tsuba served a practical purpose—shielding the hand from an opponent's blade—while doubling as a canvas for elaborate decoration. Crafted by an unknown artisan, its circular form (3 1/4 inches in diameter) fits seamlessly into the katana or wakizashi, blending functionality with aesthetic grace. Forged primarily from iron,...