Tsuba in the Form of a Crane

Tsuba in the Form of a Crane is held by Badisches Landesmuseum Karlsruhe (Germany). Description supplied by the holding institution: The circular sword guard, a so-called "tsuba", belongs with its openwork overall form to the "sukashi-tsuba" type. The sword guard is designed in the form of a crane with spread wings in positive silhouette. The eye of the crane is inlaid and emphasized in bronze. Stylistically, the motif of the rising crane is assigned to the "Akasaka" school. "Tsuba" are Japanese sword guards made of iron, copper, or copper alloys that sit between the grip and blade of a sword. In the middle of the sword guard is an opening for the tang of the sword. Two further openings are intended for a utility knife ("kozuka") and a sword needle ("kôgai"). Tsuba protected the hand from the opponent's sword and from the risk of slipping onto one's own blade when thrusting. In Japan, tsuba possessed status symbol. They embodied the aesthetic principles and social standing of the owner. Literature: Robert E.… The collection record gives measurements Height: 8.45 cm, Width: 8.45 cm, Depth: 0.5 cm. Published through Europeana; how far this object represents a wider collectible type has not yet been independently verified.