Tsuba (Sword Guard) and Bags 19th century

This print of a sword guard and bags was created by Kubo Shunman sometime between 1757 and 1820. Dominating the composition is the tsuba, or sword guard. More than a mere functional component, it symbolizes the samurai’s honor and status. The design is an iconic motif, representing not just protection, but also the refined martial spirit. Consider the circular shape, a form that echoes through time. It reminds us of the Ouroboros, the snake biting its own tail, symbolizing eternity and the cyclical nature of existence. In a completely different time and place, it is also found in mandalas that represents the cosmos. The dark void within the tsuba, may evoke a sense of the unknown. It reminds us of the constant presence of mortality in the life of a warrior, a reflection of the samurai's acceptance of death as part of their code. It is a powerful reminder of how symbols resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in different historical contexts.