Hand Guard (tsuba) Decorated with Plum Blossoms and Moon
1844-1854
Physical Qualities
Shibuichi. gold, silver, Overall: 2 1/8 × 1 13/16 × 3/16 in. (5.4 × 4.6 × 0.5 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Pierre E. Berry, Baltimore
Object Number
2010.82
A tsuba like this one would have been placed between the blade and handle of a sword to protect the hand. During the peaceful Edo Period (1615–1868), tsuba became
increasingly ornamental. Artists excelled in metalworking to depict lyrical compositions such as this one, as well as the supernatural ones on view nearby. The BMA's print, The SnowWoman (Yuki Onna) (BMA 2025.25) shows the hand guard’s placement on a sword.
The Baltimore Museum of Art by gift, 2010; Pierre E. Berry, Baltimore, purchased in Kyoto c. 1945
Rena Hoisington, The Baltimore Museum of Art, "New Arrivals: Gifts of Art for a New Century," February 7-May 8, 2016.
Frances Klapthor, "The Way of Nature: Art from Japan, China, and Korea," Baltimore Museum of Art, September 21, 2025-March 1, 2026
Frances Klapthor, "The Way of Nature: Art from Japan, China, and Korea," Baltimore Museum of Art, September 21, 2025-March 1, 2026
On View at the BMA
