Asian ·
The Beauty of Japanese Tsuba
When most people think of samurai swords, their minds go straight to the gleaming blade. But tucked between the handle and the edge is a small piece of art that often gets overlooked: the tsuba. This is the hand guard of a Japanese sword, and while it was originally made for protection, it quickly became a canvas for creativity.
The tsuba started with a simple job, keeping a warrior’s hand from sliding onto the blade during battle. Early examples were plain, often made from iron or simple alloys. But over time, sword makers and metalworkers began to decorate them, turning this functional piece of the sword into a showcase of skill and artistry.
Some feature intricate carvings of landscapes, animals, or legendary figures. Others use inlays of gold, silver, or copper to add depth and shimmer. Craftsmen often chose themes from nature, waves, cherry blossoms, or dragons that connected to Japanese culture and beliefs. Because of their small size, tsuba are like miniature paintings or sculptures you could carry into battle.
Museums often display them as standalone pieces of art, and modern artisans still create them using traditional techniques. Inspired by the collection at the Field Museum, our jewelry designer created a wearable Tusba pendant necklace.
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