Artwork Page for Sword Guard (Tsuba) with Dragons

Details / Information for Sword Guard (Tsuba) with Dragons

Sword Guard (Tsuba) with Dragons

c. 1615–1868

Japan, possibly Edo period

(1615-1868)
Medium
iron
Measurements
Diameter: 7.4 cm (2 15/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of D. Z. Norton 1919.536
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print
This dark brown iron sword guard features four dragons in high relief winding around a central teardrop opening and two oval cutouts. Small patches of gold glint on scales and claws across the textured surface. Their serpentine bodies coil to create a scalloped outer edge. At the top right, one head faces left, while on the bottom left, another faces right, their forms creating a rhythmic, pierced frame.

Sword Guard (Tsuba) with Dragons

c. 1615–1868

Japan, possibly Edo period (1615-1868)

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