Five Hand Guards (tsuba)
The small surface of the hand guard offers a fine challenge to fit a composition in a limited format. Figures along the border or in reserves often serve to lend the decoration a narrative character. The depictions are enlivened with silver, gold, or bronze accents.
1850 - 1875
Iron (metal)
8.0 x 7.4cm
AK-MAK-1130
Image and text courtesy of Rijksmuseum, 2019
Where you'll find this
Rijksmuseum
Permanent collection