Artwork Page for Sword Guard (Tsuba) with Birds in Bamboo

Details / Information for Sword Guard (Tsuba) with Birds in Bamboo

Sword Guard (Tsuba) with Birds in Bamboo

c. 1615–1868

Japan, possibly Edo period

(1615-1868)
Medium
bronze
Measurements
Diameter: 7.5 cm (2 15/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of D. Z. Norton 1919.482
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print
A bronze circular sword guard, aged with a dark brown patina and mottled green oxidation, features a pierced design of birds and bamboo. A central oval plate with three vertical openings is encircled by sculpted stalks and pointed leaves. To the left, a bird perches; to the right, four more birds fly among the foliage. The metal's surface reveals textured feathers and slender branches, highlighting the delicate silhouettes of the openwork.

Sword Guard (Tsuba) with Birds in Bamboo

c. 1615–1868

Japan, possibly Edo period (1615-1868)

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