Sword Guard (Tsuba)
Unknown Artist
ca. 1615–1868
Medium
Iron, copper
Dimensions
H. 3 3/8 in. (8.6 cm); W. 3 1/8 in. (7.9 cm); thickness 1/4 in. (0.6 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
19.154.94
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite **Sword Guard (Tsub)**, crafted in iron with copper accents around 1615–1868, hails from Japan's Edo period—a time of relative peace when samurai culture flourished, and sword fittings evolved from mere protection into finely wrought art. As part of a katana's hilt assembly, the tsuba served a dual purpose: shielding the hand from an opponent's blade while showcasing the owner's taste and status. Measuring just 3⅜ by 3⅛ inches, its compact form belies its masterful construction, weighing a substantial 5.2 ounces for balanced handling. Japanese tsuba makers during the Edo era pi...