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
metal
Measurements
Diameter: 8 cm (3 1/8 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of D. Z. Norton 1919.524
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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A circular iron sword guard features an openwork design with a dark brown, pitted patina. In the center, a vertical oval opening is flanked by lobe-shaped cutouts. Stylized plant motifs decorate the surrounding ring: bamboo leaves cluster along our right, while gnarled branches with plum blossoms curve along our left. A small pine seedling anchors the bottom. The dark metal displays a rough, matte texture with an aged, weathered appearance.

Sword Guard (Tsuba)

c. 1615–1868

Japan, possibly Edo period (1615–1868)

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