Sword Guard (Tsuba)

Gotō Mitsuakira

19th century · Copper-gold alloy (shakudō), gold, silver, copper · Arms and Armor

Gotō Mitsuakira (1816–1856) was the sixteenth generation master of the main line of the renowned Gotō School of sword fitting makers. The decoration of this tsuba features Fukurokuju, the Shinto god of happiness, wealth, and longevity, with a stag. The fineness of the engraving distinguishes it as one of Mitsuakira’s masterpieces.

Artist

Gotō Mitsuakira

Date

19th century

Medium

Copper-gold alloy (shakudō), gold, silver, copper

Culture

Japanese

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Gift of the Baber Family, in loving memory of Charles Chenault Baber, 2012