Sword Guard (Tsuba)
Unknown Artist
late 18th–early 19th century
Medium
Iron, copper
Dimensions
H. 3 1/8 in. (7.9 cm); W. 2 7/8 in. (7.3 cm); thickness 3/16 in. (0.5 cm); Wt. 3.1 oz. (87.9 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
46.122.164
Art Historical Context
This exquisite Sword Guard, or *tsuba*, hails from Japan during the late 18 to early 19th, a time when the Edo period's relative peace allowed samurai culture to flourish through refined craftsmanship. As part of a sword's hilt furniture, the *tsuba* served a practical purpose—protecting the hand from an opponent's blade—while doubling as a canvas for artistic expression. Crafted by an unknown master, this piece exemplifies the meticulous metalwork that elevated everyday warrior gear into wearable art. Forged from iron with copper elements, the guard measures a compact 3 1/8 by 2 7/8 inches, ...