波濤に岩上鷹図大小 Sword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) 1750 - 1850

This intricately crafted sword guard (tsuba) from the Edo period, dated between 1750 and 1850, is a beautiful example of the artistry of the Japanese swordsmiths. Made by Ishiguro Masatsune, a renowned metalworker born in 1760 and died in 1828, this tsuba depicts a majestic eagle perched on a rocky outcropping amidst surging waves. The intricate details of the waves, the eagle’s powerful presence, and the use of gold accents add to the beauty and allure of this piece. This tsuba, now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, is a testament to the craftsmanship and aesthetic sense of Japanese sword culture.