Sword Guard (Tsuba)
Unknown Artist
ca. 1615–1868
Medium
Iron, copper
Dimensions
H. 3 7/16 in. (8.7 cm); W. 3 3/16 in. (8.1 cm); thickness 3/16 in. (0.5 cm); Wt. 5.2 oz. (147.4 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
19.154.44
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite **Sword Guard (Tsub)**, crafted in iron and copper around 1615–1868, hails from Japan's Edo period—a time of relative peace when samurai swords evolved from battlefield weapons into symbols of artistry and status. Tsuba, the handguard on a katana or wakizashi, served both practical and decorative functions, shielding the wielder's hand while showcasing the smith's mastery. Produced by an unknown artist, this piece reflects the era's flourishing metalworking traditions, where fittings like tsuba became miniature sculptures prized by collectors. The openwork design, hinted at by ...