Tsuba: Japanese Sword Guard
MakerMade by
Arashiyama Tsuneyuki
(Japan)
DateEdo Period, 18th Century
Object NameSword Guard
Mediumcopper
ClassificationsApplied Art
DimensionsOverall (Height x Width x Depth): 72 × 60 × 6mm
AcquisitionCaptian George Warre Collection acquired in 1938 with assistance from the National Art Collections Fund.
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS024834
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 accomodate 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.
Meiji period (1868-1912)
James Cromar Watt
Qing Dynasty, Daoguang Period (early 19th Century)
Qing Dynasty, late 19th century
James Cromar Watt
Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Period, 1736-1796
Qing Dynasty, 19th century
Meiji Period, 19th century
