Hand guard 1800 - 1825

This Japanese hand guard, or tsuba, was made by the artist Tomokane sometime between 1800 and 1825. The tsuba is made of iron and features a circular design with a geometric pattern in the center. The outer edge of the tsuba is decorated with a band of scrolling gold. The tsuba was intended to be used with a katana, a type of Japanese sword. Tsubas were often highly decorated and served as a form of personal expression for their owners.