鍔 tsuba (sword guard) with wisteria

Hirata School, artist

鍔 tsuba (sword guard) with wisteria, 1600, Edo period (1600–1868)

Where object was made: Japan

Material/technique: piercing; iron

Credit line: William Bridges Thayer Memorial

Accession number: 1928.2273

On display: Loo Gallery

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Thayer Today

Each part of a Japanese sword was considered a separate work of art. The steel blades that formed the core of the sword were accompanied by a complex range of furnishings that held the blade in place and protected its wielder from injury. The tsuba, (a round sword guard), prevented the user’s hand from slipping onto the blade. This tsuba, located in a drawer in the Cabinet of Curiosities in the exhibition Empire of Things, is decorated with two wisteria blossoms and leaves. Sallie Casey Thayer acquired many sword guards, including two with Wisteria motifs, during in July 1915.

Empire of Things

Each part for a sword was considered an individual work of art, and each bears the seal of its maker. Look carefully to see the different scenes and images depicted on each piece.

Cabinet of Curiosities

Each part for a sword was considered an individual work of art, and each bears the seal of its maker. Look carefully to see the different scenes and images depicted on each piece.

Empire of Things

Each part for a sword was considered an individual work of art, and each bears the seal of its maker. Look carefully to see the different scenes and images depicted on each piece.

Empire of Things

Each part for a sword was considered an individual work of art, and each bears the seal of its maker. Look carefully to see the different scenes and images depicted on each piece.