Tsuba
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1780
This Japanese sword guard (tsuba) is associated with the maker Yamazaki Ichiga (Kazuyoshi) and dates to circa 1780. Designed as an oval plate enclosed by an outer rim, it measures 7.4 cm in height and 7 cm in width. The central plate incorporates the standard central opening (nakago-ana) alongside two flanking side apertures (ryō-hitsu).
The decorative field features overlapping rectangular card-like panels rendered with mixed metallic surfaces, including dark patinated grounds and gold-toned areas patterned with geometric fretwork and diaper motifs. Several panels depict seated human figures alongside inscribed calligraphic text in Japanese script, set within an openwork composition defined by the rim and central hub.
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
The tsuba is a protective guard fitted between the hilt and the blade of a sword. Originally simple iron disks decorated by piercing or hammering in low relief, later sword guards were more frequently crafted from patinated copper alloys inlaid with other coloured metals. Sword guards subsequently developed into miniature art forms, with different maker schools creating distinct styles.
Physical characteristics
- Dimensions
- Height: 7.4 cm; Width: 7 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: Research required; 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:
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.959-1931
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.