Knife Handle (Kozuka) with Design of Tigers by the Sea (Translation)
銅彫金色絵三虎図小柄 江戶時代 (Primary Title)
Unknown (Artist)
Sword guards, tsuba in Japanese, were used to protect the holder's hand and to balance the weight between the blade and the handle. Early tsubas were crafted by makers of armor and swords. By the 16th century, professional tsuba makers appeared in Kyoto and Owari, present-day Aichi prefecture. In the following centuries, tsuba masters centered in Edo, today's Tokyo, made elaborate and sophisticated products and transformed tsuba making into an art form.
Made of iron or metal alloys, tsubas have a variety of shapes and subjects, including historical and legendary figures, religious deities, landscapes, flowers, and animals. Decorative techniques include openwork design, gold and silver inlay, reliefs, and gilding.
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