Tsuba (sword guard) of openwork design with stylized pawlonia theme
Culture
Japanese
Datelate 1500s–early 1600s
Mediumrusseted iron, lead plugs
Dimensions9 × 9 cm (3 9/16 × 3 9/16 in.), 4 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Terms
Object number2014.536
DescriptionFine incised floral decoration on the surface, including the plugs.Label TextThe pawlonia theme of this tsuba resembles the mon (emblem) of the Toyotomi family. Toyotomi Hideyoshi was the effective ruler of Japan from 1590 until his death in 1598, and this battle-ready tsuba is the earliest on display here, possibly made during Hideyoshi's lifetime.ProvenanceCollection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
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