Artwork Page for Sword Guard (Tsuba) with Leaves

Details / Information for Sword Guard (Tsuba) with Leaves

Sword Guard (Tsuba) with Leaves

c. 1615–1868

Japan, possibly Edo period

(1615–1868)
Medium
metal
Measurements
Overall: 8.5 x 8 cm (3 3/8 x 3 1/8 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of D. Z. Norton 1919.455
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print
A tsuba, a circular iron sword guard, features a dark, pitted surface with a weathered brown patina. A central, triangular opening with rounded corners sits within a solid core. Branching, leaf-like cutouts radiate to the upper right and lower left, their thin patterns piercing the irregular metal. These organic shapes contrast with the solid outer rim, framing the central void with skeletal, floral designs.

Sword Guard (Tsuba) with Leaves

c. 1615–1868

Japan, possibly Edo period (1615–1868)

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