鍔 tsuba (sword guard) with geese passing the moon, Tetsugendō Naofusa

Artwork Overview

Tetsugendō Naofusa, 鍔 tsuba (sword guard) with geese passing the moon
Tetsugendō Naofusa, 鍔 tsuba (sword guard) with geese passing the moon
Tetsugendō Naofusa
鍔 tsuba (sword guard) with geese passing the moon
1700s, Edo period (1600–1868)
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
Add to portfolio

If you wish to reproduce this image, please submit an image request

Images

Label texts

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.