Sword Guard (Tsuba)
Unknown Artist
18th century
Medium
Iron, copper
Dimensions
H. 2 7/8 in. (7.3 cm); W. 2 3/4 in. (7 cm)
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
46.122.156
Art Historical Context
This exquisite **Sword Guard (Tsub)** from 18th-century Japan exemplifies the masterful metalwork of the Edo period, when sword fittings evolved from functional guards into coveted art objects. As the hand protector on a katana or wakizashi, the tsuba sat prominently between the blade and hilt, blending utility with aesthetic refinement. Crafted by an unknown artist, this measures just 2 7/8 by 2 3/4 inches, yet its compact form allowed for intricate designs that reflected samurai values of harmony, nature, and mythology. Forged from iron for durability and inlaid with copper for subtle contr...