This piece is inspired by the art of the tsuba (Japanese sword guard). The shape of the plate I used is called Mokko and is a common shape for a tsuba. Historically, the earliest tsuba were more functional and had simple designs. Then, during a more peaceful Edo period, the designs started to become more elaborate and materials more precious. After the abolishment of the Samurai and the banning of wearing swords in public, tsuba became purely an art form, using softer materials inadequate for practical use in battle.
I like decorative weapons because they are unsuited for killing. I wanted to highlight this idea of weapons becoming art as a direct consequence of peaceful times
