Sword Guard (Tsuba)
Unknown Artist
ca. 1615–1868
Medium
Iron, copper
Dimensions
Diam. 2 15/16 in. (7.5 cm); thickness 3/16 in. (0.5 cm); Wt. 5 oz. (141.7 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
19.154.89
Art Historical Context
This exquisite **Sword Guard (Tsub)** hails from Japan's Edo period (ca. 1615–1868), a time of relative peace when samurai culture shifted from battlefield prowess to refined artistry. Crafted by an unknown master, the tsuba served as the handguard on a katana wakizashi sword, protecting the wielder's hand while adding balance and aesthetic appeal. Its iron body, inlaid or alloyed with copper, exemplifies period's metallurgical expertise, where forges produced durable yet intricately worked pieces. Tsuba were far more than functional; they were miniature sculptures symbolizing status and phil...