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
Average: 6.7 x 6.7 cm (2 5/8 x 2 5/8 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of D. Z. Norton 1919.506
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print
A tsuba, a square iron sword guard with rounded corners, displays a weathered, pitted texture and deep-brown patina. At its center, a vertical wedge-shaped opening is flanked by two smaller oval cutouts. The surrounding surface features a pierced pattern of interlocking circles, creating a repeating grid of petal-like shapes. The dark, matte metal provides a rugged contrast to the delicate, openwork geometry.

Sword Guard (Tsuba)

c. 1615–1868

Japan, possibly Edo period (1615-1868)

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