Sword Guard (Tsuba)
Unknown Artist
ca. 1615–1868
Medium
Iron, copper
Dimensions
H. 2 13/16 in. (7.1 cm); W. 2 9/16 in. (6.5 cm); thickness 3/16 in. (0.5 cm); Wt. 4.2 oz. (119.1 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
19.154.54
Art Historical Context
This exquisite **Sword Guard (Tsuba)**, crafted in iron and copper during Japan's Edo period (ca.1615–1868), served as a vital component of the samurai sword. Positioned between the blade and handle, the tsuba protected theder's hand while balancing the weapon. During the Tokugawa shogunate's era of peace, tsuba evolved from purely functional guards into prized works of art, showcasing the refined metalworking skills of artisans. This piece, with its modest dimensions—about 2 13/16 inches high and weighing just 4.2 ounces—exemplifies the period's emphasis on precision and elegance. Japanese s...