Sword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) 1750 - 1800

Editor: So this is a sword guard, or tsuba, made between 1750 and 1800 by Bairyūken Kiyotatsu. It’s metal, possibly bronze, and currently resides at the Met. I’m struck by how ornate it is for something purely functional. What catches your eye about this piece? Curator: Considering its materiality and social role, it prompts questions about labor, craftsmanship, and the cultural values embedded in its production. The detailed engraving and use of precious metals like gold suggest a society that valued not just martial prowess, but also refined aesthetics. Who produced these, and under what conditions? Editor: I hadn't thought about the maker specifically. Do we know anything about Bairyūken Kiyotatsu's workshop? Were they individual artisans, or were these pieces mass-produced somehow? Curator: The tension between "art" and "craft" blurs here. This tsuba transcends mere utility; it's a decorative object reflecting the status and taste of its owner. We must consider the social and economic conditions that enabled such meticulous craftsmanship and lavish materials. Was this for a shogun or for lower ranking samurai? Editor: Right, and how the labor was organized— that’s so interesting to think about. It is an amazing, ornate level of craftsmanship for a functional object. So even something as seemingly straightforward as a sword guard reveals complex historical relationships. Curator: Exactly. This tsuba prompts us to explore the world of its creation: the hands that shaped it, the societal structures that dictated its form, and the consumption practices that gave it value. Considering the material and process demystifies its purpose beyond an accessory and asks questions about class and value systems. Editor: Thanks! I see this tsuba now as less of a stand-alone object and more as an index of a whole historical context.