Sword Guard (Tsuba) 18th century

This 18th-century sword guard (tsuba) by Omori Hidenaga (1751–1800) is a beautiful example of Japanese metalwork. The tsuba, made of iron, is decorated with peonies, butterflies, and waves in gold, silver, and copper. The design is intricate and finely detailed, and the tsuba is a testament to the skill of the Japanese metalworkers of this period. This tsuba, a functional element of a samurai sword, also serves as a piece of art, displaying the beauty of Japanese craftsmanship and the appreciation for nature.