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: 7.7 cm (3 1/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of D. Z. Norton 1919.464
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print
An iron sword guard features a dark, pitted surface with eight lobes. Three openings include a teardrop hole, an oval to the left, and a textured, crescent-shaped patch of gray metal. Shallow carvings of interlocking diamond patterns cover the body, while a scatter of tiny gold and silver dots adds a subtle glint. The scalloped perimeter creates a flower-like silhouette.

Sword Guard (Tsuba)

c. 1615–1868

Japan, possibly Edo period (1615-1868)

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