Artwork Page for Sword Guard (Tsuba)

Details / Information for Sword Guard (Tsuba)

Sword Guard (Tsuba)

c. 1615–1868

Japan, possibly Edo period

(1615-1868)
Medium
iron
Measurements
Diameter: 7.5 cm (2 15/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of D. Z. Norton 1919.405
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print
A tsuba, an iron sword guard, is shaped as a disc with four rounded lobes. Its dark-brown, mottled surface contains a central vertical slot and a smaller oval opening. Delicate engraved lines trace swirling, vine-like patterns across the face. Thin gold-colored metal inlays highlight floral shapes near the top right and bottom edges, their bright tones contrasting with the tarnished, pitted body of the piece.

Sword Guard (Tsuba)

c. 1615–1868

Japan, possibly Edo period (1615-1868)

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