Tsuba with Coiled Snake
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
c. 1860
This Japanese sword guard (tsuba) is carved in the form of a striking coiled snake with bared fangs. The snake's undulating, textured body forms the perimeter and outer frame of the guard, coiling around a central plate pierced by the opening (nakago-ana) meant to receive a sword blade. The design incorporates silver-coloured and brass-toned metallic detailing along the scaled body and underbelly.
Made around 1860 in Japan, the guard is attributed to the maker Zuiryūken Terutomo. It carries a signature that translates as "Carved by Zuiryuken Terutomo." The object is crafted from a copper-zinc alloy (shinchū) embellished with silver gilding. It measures 8.9 cm in length and 8.4 cm in width.
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 functional guard mounted between the hilt and blade of a Japanese sword to protect the user's hand, while also serving as a canvas for metalworkers to display artistic techniques. This piece was exhibited in 1894 at the Burlington Fine Arts Club Exhibition of Specimens of Japanese Lacquer and Metalwork. It was later bequeathed to the museum by Mr. George Salting and accessioned in 1910.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Copper-zinc alloy ( shinchū ) with silver gilding
- Dimensions
- Length: 8.9 cm; Width: 8.4 cm
Technical characteristics
- Inscriptions
- Date: Text: Research required; Latest: Research required; Earliest: Research required; Note: Signed; 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: Carved by Zuiryuken Terutomo; Interpretation: Research required; Transliteration: Research required
- Maker recorded
- Zuiryūken Terutomo
- 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.967-1910
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.