tsuba

Summary

Sword guard, called a tsuba, made of metal, pierced and chiselled with arrow feathers (fletches) radiating from the centre. With inscription. The arrow was a symbol of the Samurai's fighting spirit. Althought he sword is most associated with the samurai, for centuries the bow was actually the favourite and most effective weapon of the Samuri, and skill in its use is still highly regarded right up to the present day. The practice of Kyudo (archery) is also an expression of Zen Buddhist meditation followed by people all over the world.

Display Label

Eastern Exchanges: Craft and Design from East Asia 2 April - 31 May 2015 The ceramics, metalwork, jade, silk and lacquer of East Asia, have been admired and imitated by the West since the late 1600s and many of today’s most exciting international designer makers use East Asian traditions as a springboard for innovation. In the East, crafts have always been thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated. Thoughtfully designed objects, made by skilled hands enhanced East Asian life at all levels of society and even everyday storage jars and plant pots represented an opportunity for artistry. But craft was not merely useful: it also expressed identity, philosophical ideas and spirituality. Respect for tradition is all important in the East, and the region’s rich if sometimes daunting craft heritage is evolving through integration of new ideas and international influences. This exhibition highlights this dynamic process: treasures collected by Manchester’s pioneering connoisseurs of East Asian art meet today’s most exciting designer makers. [Manchester Art Gallery mark] [Manchester City Council Logo] [Korea Foundation Logo] [Sasakawa Foundation Logo] [Japan Foundation Logo]