PAIR OF TSUBA WITH PEAFOWL AND PEONY DESIGN, ISHIGURO MASAYOSHI (1774-1862), SHAKUDO AND SHIBUICHI. 8.1 X 7.5, 7.7 X 7.1 CM. PHOTO: COURTESY OF SANNENKAZA MUSEUM - TAASA Review June 2022

PAIR OF TSUBA WITH PEAFOWL AND PEONY DESIGN, ISHIGURO MASAYOSHI (1774-1862), SHAKUDO AND SHIBUICHI. 8.1 X 7.5, 7.7 X 7.1 CM. PHOTO: COURTESY OF SANNENKAZA MUSEUM – TAASA Review June 2022

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This article was originally found in the edition of TAASA Review (Volume , Issue , Page 11).

The full article is available for free to TAASA Members.

the two swords denoting their rank in society, and after two centuries of relative peace, these functioned as items of status and personal adornment as much as potential weapons.

The designs of the fittings that protect and complement the all-important blade became increasingly decorative.

Illustrated is a tanto (dagger) with an intricate design of chrysanthemums made by Goto Ichijo...