Monica Rich Kosann Reinvents the Samurai Tsuba in Symbolic Necklaces

By Karen Dybis | October 15, 2025

Monica Rich Kosann’s new collaboration with Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) embodies her desire to create jewelry that helps the wearer feel empowered, protected, and in balance with nature.

Kosann designed a limited-edition collection of three pendant necklaces that are now sold in the MFA gift shop (and on Kosann’s website). Depicting a crane, a butterfly, and a turtle, the pendants are inspired by tsuba, the decorative handguard on a samurai’s sword. Tsubas are featured in MFA’s Arts of Japan galleries.

The tsuba represents a warrior spirit, something Kosann wants to imbue in her jewelry worn by the modern woman. “It is a metaphor for us women—we are all warriors on one level or another,” she says.

“We wanted to work with a museum, and MFA is iconic. There is so much history in its archives and endless potential for storytelling. When we all met, we were super excited to work together,” Kosann notes.

Kosann Museum pendants — *The tsuba-inspired collection consists of butterfly, turtle, and (pictured at top of page) crane pendant necklaces.*

Dating to the 18th and 19th centuries, tsubas were essential parts of samurai swords—and, Kosann says, pieces of art. “Each circle held a different story for the warrior carrying it. Eventually, these became status symbols,” she explains.

“It was incredibly inspiring to me when I started looking through the MFA archives. They have hundreds, so it was hard to whittle down, and as a storytelling brand, this totally spoke to me immediately.”

The animals featured in the Monica Rich Kosann x Museum of Fine Arts, Boston collection have special meanings, the designer says. The crane is a symbol of good luck and longevity. Kosann’s crane pendant ($3,050) is made with 18k gold and diamonds and comes on her open-link Stevie chain.

The butterfly—available in 18k gold and sterling silver with diamonds ($925)—connotes transformation, and Kosann hopes wearers will see their own personal growth and change in the butterfly’s metamorphosis from caterpillar to winged beauty.

Kosann Museum group — *Any of the tsuba-inspired necklaces is “an easy piece to layer into your necklace layers,” says designer Monica Rich Kosann.*

The turtle represents longevity, prosperity, and harmony. Kosann says she sought to convey the balance in the forces of nature and life in her two-tone turtle pendant with white sapphires ($1,200),

She says of the necklaces, “If you are a silver or gold person, they will layer nicely in your mix—and, most importantly, empower you and bring positive vibes.”

In a statement, the MFA’s Debra LaKind, senior director of intellectual property and business development, said: “We really embraced this opportunity to work with Monica Rich Kosann and her design team to bring art to life in wearable form.

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

(Photos courtesy of Monica Rich Kosann)