Artwork Page for Sword Guard (Tsuba) with Crane and Tortoise

Details / Information for Sword Guard (Tsuba) with Crane and Tortoise

Sword Guard (Tsuba) with Crane and Tortoise

c. 1615–1868

Japan, possibly Edo period

(1615-1868)
Medium
iron
Measurements
Diameter: 7.7 cm (3 1/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of D. Z. Norton 1919.439
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print
A circular iron tsuba features openwork carvings. A central wedge-shaped opening sits between two oval holes. At the top, a bird with outstretched wings flies through swirling clouds. Below, a tortoise with a long, fringed tail swims through stylized waves. Golden highlights accent the figures and water droplets. Pine needles and bamboo leaves decorate the sides. Dark-brown textured iron forms the intricate silhouettes and organic patterns throughout the piece.

Sword Guard (Tsuba) with Crane and Tortoise

c. 1615–1868

Japan, possibly Edo period (1615-1868)

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