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Tsuba (sword guard) with dragon, clouds, and waves
Tsuba (sword guard) with dragon, clouds, and waves
Image © Worcester Art Museum, all rights reserved.

Tsuba (sword guard) with dragon, clouds, and waves

Date1700s
Mediumiron
Dimensions7 × 6.5 cm (2 3/4 × 2 9/16 in.), 4 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.105
Label TextJapanese swords are designed to disassemble easily, facilitating cleaning, and making it possible for a blade to be fitted with multiple mountings. This allowed the samurai to choose a look to suit the occasion: a simpler set for warfare, an elegant set for ceremony, another set designed in accordance with court regulations. The tsuba slipped onto the tang between the grip and the blade. In addition to the central hole to accommodate the blade, many tsuba have additional holes for the insertion of a small knife and a long pin on either side of the scabbard—the pin served to secure the samurai’s hair. Tsuba were made in various shapes, with the fashions changing over time. Early tsuba were often made of plain iron, in silhouette designs. Later examples tend to be more complex, incorporating a variety of metals, with surfaces embellished with decorative or symbolic motifs that reflected the social status, philosophy, and tastes of the owner. ProvenanceCollection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
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Not on view
Tsuba (sword guard) with dragon, clouds, and waves
Yamashiro (no) Kuni Sanjo Ju Kashiwaya Shirozaemon
1700s
Tsuba (sword guard) with bridge and waterwheel scene
Yoshū Matsuyama Jū Shoami Molikuni
late 1700s–early 1800s
Tsuba (sword guard) with dragon and Mount Fuji
Ryuunken Koretaka Jakushi
possibly 1700s–1800s
Tsuba (sword guard) with Stalks of Rice
Masasada of Chōshū 長州住 正定
about 1800