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: 8 cm (3 1/8 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of D. Z. Norton 1919.447
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print
A rounded, four-lobed iron tsuba features a weathered, dark-brown surface. A central tapered slot is flanked by two dark metal-filled oval openings. On the left, openwork cutouts form a slender, curving creature. To the right, a series of incised diagonal lines score the textured metal. Reddish-brown oxidation punctuates the piece, while organic curves define its scalloped edges. The composition balances geometric apertures with fluid, intricate silhouettes across the aged metal surface.

Sword Guard (Tsuba)

c. 1615–1868

Japan, possibly Edo period (1615-1868)

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