Tsuba
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1864
This Japanese sword guard (tsuba) is crafted in the style of the Mito school and dates to 1864, corresponding to the autumn of the first year of Genji. Made primarily of a copper-silver alloy known as shibuichi alongside other metals, it measures approximately 9.27 cm in height and 8.64 cm in width. The maker of the guard is recorded as Hitotsuyanagi Tomonaga.
The surface decoration is executed using engraving and relief techniques, illustrating Yuten Shonin exorcising the ghost of Kasane, a scene based on an original design by Hokusai. The guard includes inscriptions and signatures stating that it was painted by Hokusai, signed by Hitotsuyanagi Tomonaga, and completed in the autumn of the first year of Genji.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Historical context
A tsuba is a protective guard fitted between the hilt and blade of a sword. Originally produced as simple iron disks decorated by piercing or low-relief hammering, later examples frequently utilized copper alloys patinated in diverse colours and inlaid with other metals, evolving into miniature art forms across various maker schools.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Copper-silver alloy ( shibuichi ) with other metals engraved and in relief
- Dimensions
- Height (approx.): 9.27 cm; Width (approx.): 8.64 cm
Technical characteristics
- Inscriptions
- Date: Text: Research required; Latest: Research required; Earliest: Research required; Note: Research required; Type: Research required; Medium: Research required; Method: Research required; Script: Research required; Content: Inscribed painted by Hokusai , signed Hitotsuyanagi Tomonaga and dated autumn of the first year of Genji ; Language: Research required; Position: Research required; Inscriber: Name: Id: Research required; Text: Research required; Association: Id: Research required; Text: Research required; Description: Research required; Translation: Research required; Interpretation: Research required; Transliteration: Research required
- Maker recorded
- Hitotsuyanagi Tomonaga
- Place recorded
- Japan
Identification
- Source note
- Transcribed from the Victoria and Albert Museum collection record for this single object; how far it represents a wider collectible type has not been independently verified.
- Museum object name
- Tsuba
- Museum object number
- M.1356-1931
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.