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: 7.4 cm (2 15/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of D. Z. Norton 1919.434
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print
A circular iron sword guard, or tsuba, features a dark, pitted surface. A tapered central aperture is flanked by an oval hole to the left and a scalloped opening to the right. Along the lower right edge, a five-petaled flower and scrolling lines are cut through the metal. Small gold dots are scattered around these decorative elements, lending a subtle luster to the weathered iron and balancing heavy metal with delicate motifs.

Sword Guard (Tsuba)

c. 1615–1868

Japan, possibly Edo period (1615-1868)

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