Artwork Page for Sword Guard (Tsuba) with Dragons and Lotus

Details / Information for Sword Guard (Tsuba) with Dragons and Lotus

Sword Guard (Tsuba) with Dragons and Lotus

c. 1615–1868

Japan, possibly Edo period

(1615-1868)
Medium
iron
Measurements
Diameter: 7.2 cm (2 13/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of D. Z. Norton 1919.465
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print
A tsuba, a circular iron sword guard, features a dark-brown weathered surface pitted with age. At its center, a vertical opening is set within a solid, shield-shaped section. Intricate openwork carving reveals two dragons curving along the inner rim toward the top. A stylized lotus flower anchors the bottom, while swirling, vine-like patterns fill the remaining space of the disc.

Sword Guard (Tsuba) with Dragons and Lotus

c. 1615–1868

Japan, possibly Edo period (1615-1868)

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