Artwork Page for Sword Guard (Tsuba) with Aoi (Heartvine) Chapter of The Tale of Genji

Details / Information for Sword Guard (Tsuba) with Aoi (Heartvine) Chapter of The Tale of Genji

Sword Guard (Tsuba) with Aoi (Heartvine) Chapter of The Tale of Genji

c. 1615–1868

Japan, possibly Edo period

(1615-1868)
Medium
iron
Measurements
Diameter: 7.7 cm (3 1/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of D. Z. Norton 1919.513
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print
A circular, dark iron sword guard, showing a weathered patina, features a scalloped frame with openwork carving. A central vertical opening sits between two irregular cutouts. Heart-shaped leaves and winding vines fill the surrounding space. At the top, a rectangular symbol with vertical bars rests over horizontal wavy lines. A semi-circular fan at the base is detailed with gold scrollwork. The textured metal creates a rustic, aged aesthetic.

Sword Guard (Tsuba) with Aoi (Heartvine) Chapter of The Tale of Genji

c. 1615–1868

Japan, possibly Edo period (1615-1868)

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