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

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Sword Guard (Tsuba) with Birds in Bamboo

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 1919.522
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print
A circular iron tsuba, or sword guard, features an openwork design with a dark, pitted surface. A vertical, wedge-shaped opening occupies the center, flanked by curved bamboo stalks with pointed leaves. Two birds with fanned wings are positioned at the top and bottom; the upper bird faces left, while the lower faces right. The intricate motif is enclosed within a thin outer rim, exhibiting a weathered, matte finish.

Sword Guard (Tsuba) with Birds in Bamboo

c. 1615–1868

Japan, possibly Edo period (1615-1868)

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