鍔 tsuba (sword guard) with geese passing the moon

Tetsugendō Naofusa, artist

active 1700s

鍔 tsuba (sword guard) with geese passing the moon, 1700s, Edo period (1600–1868)

Where object was made: Japan

Material/technique: gold inlay; iron; piercing

Credit line: William Bridges Thayer Memorial

Accession number: 1928.2213

On display: Loo Gallery

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Archive Label 2003:
The fine pierce work on this tsuba represents the protective role of geese in military situations. Several Japanese military stories are about battles won because of a sudden breaking of ranks by geese, signaling nearby opposition forces ready to ambush. Illustrating such a story, on this tsuba geese appear to be in sudden flight as if startled by some unexpected movement on the ground.