Introduction

Among nanban tsuba and Asian export sword guards, there is a clearly distinct group of sword guards that are typically rather well made, and usually show foreigners mixed with Chinese subjects. They are either of aoi-gata (hollyhock form) or circular to oval, with beaded rims.

I believe these were made in China, or at least by Chinese craftsmen, for the Japanese market. There is also a possibility they were made in the sizeable Chinese community in Nagasaki Chinatown.

A group of sword guards that are clearly from this school.

Presented in this article is one of the better guards from this group.

Description

A large and fine sword guard. The shape is aoi-gata which is typically used for tachi and handachi swords. It has two, gold lined hitsu-ana and raised cloud motifs around the nakago-ana.

The facing side is decorated with two foreign figures, probably Dutch or Portuguese. One is holding a large fan on a stick while the other is blowing a horn. At the top is a grotesque face, in the bottom a large flower. The background is decorated with raised vines. The reverse is decorated with on the bottom a sacred jewel, several unusual looking flowers among vines and a sacred scroll. All raised elements are decorated with gold or silver.

The rim is decorated with very fine scrolling vines, overlaid in gold.