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Tsuba: Japanese Sword Guard
MakerMade by
Kawarabayashi Hideoki
(Japan, 1788 - 1851)
DateLate Edo Period, 19th century
Object NameSword Guard
Mediumbronze
ClassificationsApplied Art
DimensionsOverall (Height x Width x Depth): 81 × 75 × 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 numberABDMS024835
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.
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