Sword guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) With Flower Basket Motif (花籠透鐔) 1800 - 1870

This iron sword guard with a flower basket motif was made by Ishiguro Masaaki in the 19th century. Masaaki lived during the late Edo period, a time marked by rigid social hierarchies and the flourishing of samurai culture. The sword, central to a samurai's identity, transcended its function as a weapon, becoming a symbol of status, honor, and self-discipline. This tsuba, or sword guard, transcends mere utility, representing a complex interplay between martial prowess and artistic expression. The intricate floral design, juxtaposed with the utilitarian nature of the sword, embodies the samurai's dual existence. It is a life lived between the battlefield and the tea room, and a dance between violence and refinement. Masaaki's work invites us to reflect on the intricate relationship between power, aesthetics, and identity.