Description

Antique Japanese tsuba (hand guard for samurai katana) decorated with a monkey peeking though the bamboo rails of a cage or gate. Often occurring in Japanese folk tales, the monkey generally symbolizes a trickster. Since tsuba were often a warrior’s source of personal expression, it is likely this monkey held specific significance to the blade’s owner.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 3″ high x 2 7/8″ wide x 1/8″ thick (1/4″ thick including monkey).