Sword Guard

Tsuba are placed between the hilt and blade of a sword, forming an essential guard for the hand. Known to exist in Japan at least since the 8th century, they were plain unsigned metal until about the 16th century, when they became enriched artistic expressions usually made to the order of the individual warrior. The central opening, nakago ana, holds the tang of the blade and often has chisel marks or soft metal inserts as adjustments. It is surrounded by a plain surface, the seppa dai, on which the artist's signature may be found. On either side are the kodzuka and kogai openings, for a knife and a skewer respectively; when both are open the guard is intended for a wakazashi blade (less than two feet) and when one or both are plugged or absent the guard is probably intended for the longer katana blade.

Marion Stephan Collection. 'Iron' strictly speaking is a pure metal never encountered in antiquity: its alloys, whether natural or deliberate are really forms of steel. There is a long tradition in the literature, however, of referring to the material of a major number of tsuba as iron, which is adhered to in the present catalogue.

Four-lobed form with irregularly hammered background. Has an overall patina; nakago ana has chiseling and copper insert for adjustment to the blade; open kodzuka, no kogai. Front: at bottom in high relief a leopard looks upward to a bamboo in low relief growing up the right side and across the top; leaves overlaid with gold. Back: at bottom centre, several broad curved gouges and a series of dots suggest leopard's claw and pad marks; two gold and copper spots inlaid.