Sword Guard (Tsuba)
Unknown Artist
ca. 1615–1868
Medium
Iron, copper-silver alloy (shibuichi), gold
Dimensions
H. 2 11/16 in. (6.8 cm); W. 2 7/16 in. (6.2 cm); thickness 3/16 in. (0.5 cm); Wt. 2.7 oz. (76.5 g)
Classification
Sword Furniture-Tsuba
Culture
Japanese
Department
Arms and Armor
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Bashford Dean, 1919
Accession Number
19.154.12
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite **Sword Guard (Tsub)**, dating to the Edo period (ca.1615–1868), exemplifies the pinnacle of Japanese metalworking artistry during a time of relative peace when samurai swords evolved from battlefield tools into symbols of status and refinement. Crafted for a katana or wakizashi, the tsuba served a practical purpose—shielding the hand from the blade—while showcasing the wearer's taste through intricate design. Though the artist remains unknown, such pieces were often produced by specialized workshops in cities like Edo (modern Tokyo), blending functionality with aesthetic splend...