Artwork Page for Sword Guard (Tsuba) with Hermit Crab

Details / Information for Sword Guard (Tsuba) with Hermit Crab

Sword Guard (Tsuba) with Hermit Crab

c. 1615–1868

Japan, possibly Edo period

(1615-1868)
Medium
iron
Measurements
Average: 7 x 7.7 cm (2 3/4 x 3 1/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of D. Z. Norton 1919.496
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print
A circular iron sword guard, or tsuba, features a textured rope-like border and a weathered, matte surface. At the center, a teardrop-shaped opening is flanked by a rounded hole to the left. In the lower right, low-relief carvings depict a hermit crab emerging from its shell, nestled among slender leafy plants and two smaller shells. Small patches of light brown oxidation mark the dark metal, highlighting its aged, tactile quality.

Sword Guard (Tsuba) with Hermit Crab

c. 1615–1868

Japan, possibly Edo period (1615-1868)

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