唐草図鐔 Sword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) 19th century

This 19th-century sword guard, or *tsuba*, was made by the renowned Japanese metalworker Washida Mitsunaka (1830-1889). It features a design of swirling *karakusa* (arabesque) vines, executed in silver inlay on iron. The *tsuba* is a crucial part of the katana, protecting the hand from the blade. Its intricate design showcases the artistry and craftsmanship of the Edo period. The *tsuba* is currently in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.