Asian export sword guard

A fine and unusually large tsuba. Attributed to Hizen by the NBTHK.

Executed in "nanban style" openwork with chiseled and gold-encrusted peonies.

Unusual piece with depiction of a foreign figure.

Asian sword guard of unknown origin, modified in Japan.

A peculiar cast iron sword guard, probably from the South China Seas area.

A Chinese sword guard from the 18th century with a Buddhist mantra in lantsa script.

A Japanese style sword guard made in 17th century Nagasaki Chinatown.

A Japanese sword guard with the cross of the House of Aviz.

An interesting pierced iron Asian export sword guard that is part of a small group of guards that were made with a mu

A chiseled iron sword guard depicting a Dutch ship with a figure on its stern.

A large circular Asian export sword guard with elaborate decor carved in relief on both sides.

Many Asian export sword guards, and later Japanese guards inspired by them, were modeled after

Korean ceremonial sabers of the Joseon dynasty are pretty small and often exhi

The design, overlaid in silver, gold, and copper, over a crosshatched background shows dragon amongst clouds.

Private collection. Not for sale.

A purely Chinese guard and not a very ornate one, converted for Japanese use.

An iron openwork guard two dragons chasing a flaming pearl.

A near round tsuba with beaded rim depicting two dragons in vegetal scrollwork.

A rather good example of a Japanese-made nanban tsuba.