Artwork Page for Sword Guard (Tsuba) with Insects and Flowers

Details / Information for Sword Guard (Tsuba) with Insects and Flowers

Sword Guard (Tsuba) with Insects and Flowers

c. 1615–1868

Japan, possibly Edo period

(1615–1868)
Medium
metal
Measurements
Average: 6.4 x 6.7 cm (2 1/2 x 2 5/8 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of D. Z. Norton 1919.414
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print
A four-lobed sword guard features a dark, textured center pierced by a tapered vertical opening and two smaller holes. A raised, beaded gold border frames the piece. Between this frame and the center lies a recessed band densely decorated with gold and silver carvings of autumn flowers, leaves, and insects. These intricate metallic motifs stand out against the dark background, encircling the inner plate with detailed botanical and animal forms.

Sword Guard (Tsuba) with Insects and Flowers

c. 1615–1868

Japan, possibly Edo period (1615–1868)

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