Skip to main content
Tsuba: Japanese Sword Guard
Tsuba: Japanese Sword Guard
Tsuba: Japanese Sword Guard
Tsuba: Japanese Sword Guard

Tsuba: Japanese Sword Guard

Maker (Yonago, Japan, 1825 - 1891)
DateLate Edo Period, possibly 19th century
Object NameSword Guard
Mediumbronze
ClassificationsApplied Art
DimensionsOverall (Height x Width x Depth): 82 × 78 × 6mm
AcquisitionCaptian George Warre Collection acquired in 1938 with assistance from the National Art Collections Fund.
CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS024058
About MeSamurai swords are where the Japanese metalsmith excelled. Tsuba, or sword guards, were fitted to the blade of the sword at the end of the hilt. Most are pierced with a wedge-shaped central hole to accommodate the blade.

The tsuba began as a very practical element of the sword, but like all Samurai armour and weaponry developed into an exquisite art form that became a status symbol. Several Japanese metalworking techniques were used to decorate tsuba including zougan, which is inlay and hori, which is engraving.

These techniques would have been developed and historically handed down within the family from father to son. Many tsuba feature animals and plants. These form a very important part of Japanese culture. Historically each family would take a plant as an emblem much like a family crest.
Tsuba: Japanese Sword Guard
Imai Nagatake
Late Edo Period, 19th century
Tsuba: Japanese Sword Guard
Tsuchiya Masachika
Late Edo Period, possibly 19th century
Tsuba: Japanese Sword Guard
Arashiyama Tsuneyuki
Edo Period, 18th Century
Tsuba: Japanese Sword Guard
Kawarabayashi Hideoki
Late Edo Period, 19th century
Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Footed Bowl
James Cromar Watt
Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Period, 1736-1796
Pair of Carved Oyster Shells
James Cromar Watt
Qing Dynasty, possibly 18th century
Pair of Carved Oyster Shells
James Cromar Watt
Qing Dynasty, possibly 18th century
Chinese Cloisonné  Enamel Tripod Censer with Pierced Cover
James Cromar Watt
Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Period, 1736-1796
Chinese Ivory Framed Fan with Lacquer Box
James Cromar Watt
Qing Dynasty, 19th century
Lacquer Quiver on Stand
James Cromar Watt
Edo Period 1603 - 1868
Pair of Chinese Black Lac Burgauté Dishes with Garden Scenes
James Cromar Watt
Qing Dynasty, 19th century
Bronze Eight Faces Box
Koji Hatakeyama
2007
Samurai Vase and Saucer
Tashiro Monzaemon
Meiji Period (1868-1912)
Samurai Vase and Saucer
Tashiro Monzaemon
Meiji Period (1868-1912)
Ivory and Coral Ruyi Sceptre with Jade Suspension and Wooden Stand
James Cromar Watt
Qing Dynasty, 18th - 19th century
Famille Verte Bowl
Qing Dynasty, 19th century