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- Japanese Sword Guards - Tsuba
The sword was the most highly revered object in the possession of the samurai and is considered "the soul of the samurai," as it was the embodiment of their behavioural code known as bushido with its self- discipline, unquestioning devotion and ultimate skill in martial arts.
Only the samurai class had the privilege of carrying two swords, a long sword (katana) for attack and defence, and a short sword (ivakizashi) for self-destruction, if necessary. Ancient Japanese swords, made between the 16th and mid-19th centuries, were examples of Japan's highest craftsmanship and were the most nearly perfect fighting weapons of their time, as well as being the finest edged weapons ever crafted. The associated fittings with the blade have been regarded as important works of art and, like the blades, have become highly collectible. The most ornate part of the sword is the sword guard known as the tsuba, a flat disc that separates the blade from the handle grip. The tsuba, which needed to be strong and light, contributed to the control and overall balance of
Two of tsuba sword guards, Edo period (1603- 1868) � Duex tsuba de sabre, periode Edo (1603 � 1868) � (left) tsuba with design of sailboats and fishnets, clams on verso � (a gauche) tsuba avec motif representant des voiliers et des filets de peche, palourdes au versobrass � gold, silver � (right) tsuba with a design of the God of War and God of Literature Kan-wu (Guan Yu in Chinese) with his assistant reading Confucian texts; pine tree on verso � (a droite) tsuba avec motif representant le dieu de la guerre et le dieu de la litterature Kan-wu (Guan Yu en chinois) avec ses aides lisant des textes de Confucius; pin au verso � brass, gold inlay � Intended Gift, Private Collection
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