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 with brass inlay
Measurements
Average: 9 x 9.3 cm (3 9/16 x 3 11/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of D. Z. Norton 1919.528
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print
A four-lobed, clover-shaped sword guard is cast in dark, pitted iron. Jagged, brass lightning patterns inlay the perimeter. A vertical, wedge-shaped opening sits at the center, flanked by two irregular, kidney-shaped holes. Small copper plugs are set into the top and bottom of the central gap. The weathered piece displays a rich, oxidized patina, where dull yellow brass motifs contrast against the worn, dark-brown iron.

Sword Guard (Tsuba)

c. 1615–1868

Japan, possibly Edo period (1615-1868)

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