Five Hand Guards (tsuba) by 萩谷勝平 Hagiya Katsuhira

Five Hand Guards (tsuba) 1825 - 1875

qiugushengpinghagiyakatsuhira's Profile Picture

qiugushengpinghagiyakatsuhira

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circular oval feature

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egg art

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pottery

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3d printed part

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round design

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3d shape

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stoneware

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ceramic

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round circular shape

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disk design

"Five Hand Guards (tsuba)" is a handguard for a Japanese sword (katana) crafted by Hagiya Katsuhira, a renowned metalworker active between 1825 and 1875. The tsuba, measuring 9 cm in height and 8.7 cm in width, depicts a scene of three mythical creatures: a kappa, a tanuki, and a tengu, all in a dynamic pose. The tsuba is a prime example of the intricate craftsmanship and artistry of the Edo period, showcasing detailed work in gold, silver, and copper. This piece exemplifies the importance of tsuba in Japanese swordsmanship, not just for practical protection, but as a significant visual and artistic element.

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Comments

rijksmuseum's Profile Picture
rijksmuseum over 1 year ago

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.

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