Sword guard (Tsuba) With Grapevines on Trellis Motif (葡萄棚図鐔) 1575 - 1725

This sword guard, or tsuba, featuring grapevines on a trellis motif, was crafted by Hisanori, an artist who lived between 1575 and 1725. Its circular form in muted gold-bronze is punctuated by negative space, framing the organic forms of the vines and grapes, rendered in dark, contrasting inlays. Consider how the arrangement of the grapevines across this small disc creates an interesting interplay between surface and depth. The artist challenges traditional notions of representation by abstracting the natural world into stylized patterns, reflecting a broader cultural interest in reinterpreting nature through art. The semiotic weight of the grapevine as a symbol of abundance may reflect a desire for prosperity within the warrior class that the sword served. Notice the way the trellis motif functions as a structural element, organizing the composition and how this careful design provides a glimpse into the artist's philosophical engagement with the natural world. This object asks us to contemplate not just its aesthetic qualities but its role within a complex system of cultural meanings.