Tsuba with Dragons, Waves and Tendrils

Artist Nanban School (Japanese)

Culture Japanese

Date1700s

MediumIron with gold inlay (hira-zōgan)

Dimensions7.3 × 7 cm (2 7/8 × 2 3/4 in.), 1.5 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.108

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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