Hand guard 1725 - 1775

Curator: Behold this 'Hand guard', dating from 1725 to 1775 and crafted by Kawamura Tsuneshige. Editor: Woah, first glance? It feels like looking into a really, really tiny world. Like a stormy teacup, full of… anticipation, maybe? A warrior’s caffeine jolt before battle? Curator: You're not far off. The piece is made of intricately worked metal, fashioned in relief, embodying a traditional scene that’s full of symbolism. We've got a dragon swirling above and a tiger crouching below. The tension practically vibrates. Editor: Absolutely, dragon versus tiger – epic! It’s more than decoration; it feels like a meditation. A tiny cosmos held in your hand, and I get why, given its function, orientalism plays a stylistic part. I’m looking at how the waves contrast with the clouds above. The piece has such an interesting mix of textures: what strikes you most compositionally? Curator: Its circularity. It creates a sense of cyclical time and destiny—a sort of karmic shield, you might say. The central opening emphasizes what’s *not* there, the potential energy. All focused around absence. Intriguing! Editor: Right! It frames the space it protects. You’ve got me thinking about the symbolism inherent in circular shapes now and especially how orientalism makes us look at our past and history. Beyond craftsmanship, it’s about what we imbue with meaning and power. It seems small, but the hand guard whispers ancient philosophies... It almost feels alive. Curator: It serves as a potent reminder, doesn't it, that even the smallest things can be imbued with layers of significance. Reflecting values and beliefs, culture. It's really well expressed. Editor: It is definitely beautiful! It’s certainly made me consider the stories objects can hold, stories told in miniature with powerful images and in the palm of the hand. A world in a hand guard...