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 1919.494
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
Print
A circular iron sword guard presents a dark, weathered surface. A central vertical aperture is rimmed with copper, flanked by two oval patches of granular, light-gray metal. To the upper left, an eight-petaled blossom is perforated through the disc, while a slender line sweeps across the bottom, terminating in a fluid spiral. These organic cutouts and rugged textures create a balanced, minimalist composition within the heavy, aged metal.

Sword Guard (Tsuba)

c. 1615–1868

Japan, possibly Edo period (1615-1868)

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork