Tsuba (1) - Copper - Traveler and Dwarf - Antique Tsuba for Samurai Sword (T-222) - Japan - Edo Period (1600-1868)

Aori-shaped copper Tsuba with a Kozuka hole An older man rides his horse and passes under the pine tree. It seems he is looking up this tree. A tiny person is engraved in the foreground. He carries a basket on his back. This Tsuba might describe a scene of a legend. The lest part of the pine tree and some short weeds are engraved and inlaid with gold on the backside. This Tsuba looks simple screen at first, but its creator’s engraving technique is skilled. For example, each horse’s mane and tail are carved in detail. Also, as even dwarf’s eyes are carved, you can see its expression. What is Tsuba? Tsuba is the hand-guard of the Japanese sword. High-class Samurai wore his katana sword with its beautiful sword mountings such as Tsuba. Tsuba’s front design tends to be more decorative as this part was often seen by other Samurais when he was walking on the streets.