秋草に鹿図鐔 Sword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) 19th century

This 19th-century Japanese sword guard, or *tsuba*, depicts a deer standing in a field of tall grass. The artist, Murasakibara Toshiyoshi, incorporated a variety of materials and techniques, such as gold, silver, and shakudo, a black alloy, to create the delicate details of the deer, grass, and clouds. This *tsuba* is a beautiful example of the craftsmanship and artistry that went into creating these functional works of art. It was a piece of the samurai's armor and a symbol of their status. *Tsuba* were often highly decorated with intricate designs and motifs that reflected the wearer's taste and social standing. They were also collected as art objects. This particular *tsuba* is a fine example of Japanese metalwork and a testament to the artistic skill of Murasakibara Toshiyoshi.