Hand guard with cherry blossom and rafts c. 1650 - 1750

This is a hand guard or "tsuba" with cherry blossom and rafts, made from iron by Ito Masatsune. Though undated, it’s likely from the Edo period in Japan, a time of relative peace under the Tokugawa shogunate. Note how the rafts and blossoms are not merely decorative. The cherry blossom, or sakura, is a potent symbol in Japanese culture, representing the fleeting nature of life, something keenly felt by the samurai class. Rafts, on the other hand, suggest travel, perhaps a reference to the journeys warriors undertook or even the uncertain course of life itself. The tsuba was more than just a functional object. It was a canvas for expressing personal identity, taste, and even philosophical beliefs. Studying pieces like this offers insights into the values and aesthetics of the samurai class during a transformative period in Japanese history. By researching historical records and material culture, we can start to understand the complex interplay between art, society, and individual expression.