Hand guard 1800 - 1900

This "Hand guard" is a Japanese tsuba, a decorative guard for a samurai sword, created between 1800 and 1900 by the artist Munemasa Shinoda. The tsuba is crafted from iron and features a detailed depiction of a snake in silver, its head raised in a threatening pose, against a backdrop of intricate gold and black details. The snake motif, a powerful symbol in Japanese culture, adds an element of danger and strength to the otherwise decorative object. This tsuba, like other examples of its kind, demonstrates the artistic mastery and intricate craftsmanship of Japanese metalwork during this period.