Sword Guard (Tsuba) With the Motif of Connected Shippō Elements (七宝繋ぎ透鐔)
Not on view
The mesh-like pattern of this tsuba is composed of connected elements which are either described as four spindles arranged in a circle with ends touching or as overlapping circles, shippō in Japanese. As the so created design is infinite, it represents peace and harmony and was regarded as an auspicious symbol which also represented the wish for an "endless flourishing of one’s descendants" or an "infinite amount of treasures."
This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.