Tsuba Designs Inspire Monica Rich Kosann’s New Charms

The three “MRK x MFA” pieces, pictured at right, are the “Sculpted Butterfly” necklace ($925) and the “Turtle” necklace ($1,200) in 18-karat yellow gold and sterling silver with white sapphires and the “Crane” necklace in 18-karat yellow gold with diamonds ($3,050).

New York—Monica Rich Kosann has partnered with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA) on a capsule of charm necklaces inspired by a unique element of samurai swords. 

The limited-edition “MRK x MFA” collaboration is comprised of three necklaces inspired by the tsuba, the ornate handguard component of swords used by Japanese samurai, which are featured in the museum’s “Arts of Japan” exhibition. 

The tsuba, located between the handle and the blade, protects the warrior’s hand from sliding onto the blade. 

The necklace designs are a modern representation of traditional tsuba decoration, which often symbolized protection and the spirit of a fearless warrior. 

“The tsuba are an important object of Japanese culture; they are ancient yet beautifully decorated pieces meant to empower the wearer, which really resonated with me as a fine jewelry designer. The tsuba speak to the ideas of balance and protection, notions of empowerment which are at the core of our brand DNA,” said Kosann, the designer and chief creative officer of her eponymous brand.  

“I create pieces to inspire customers, so partnering with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and working with these incredible artifacts was a privilege … it’s my hope that the necklaces we’ve made together do just that.”  

The three charm necklaces depict a crane, butterfly, and turtle with a wave.  

The Crane charm, crafted in 18-karat yellow gold with diamond accents, is an East Asian symbol of good luck and longevity, according to the brand. It is depicted in the “Mai Tsuru” (dancing crane) pose.  

The Butterfly charm features a two-tone design with 18-karat yellow gold and sterling silver along with white sapphire accents. The sculpted wings represent transformation, personal growth, and change. It was a symbol of the Taira, one of the most famous ancient warrior clans, the brand said.  

The Turtle and the Wave charm is also a two-tone piece with 18-karat yellow gold and sterling silver and accented by white sapphires. This design represents longevity and prosperity, as well as harmony—a balance between different forces of nature and life, the brand said.  

“We really embraced this opportunity to work with Monica Rich Kosann and her design team to bring art to life in wearable form,” said Debra LaKind, senior director of intellectual property and business development at MFA. 

“The malleability of gold has allowed artists to create intricate objects throughout the centuries, and the MFA’s renowned collection of Japanese tsuba provide rich inspiration and historical context for these new charm designs.” 

The MRK x MFA collection retails from $925 to $3,050. 

It debuted on Oct. 7 and is available on the Monica Rich Kosann website as well as at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston shop.