Sword Guard (Tsuba)

Cleveland Museum of Art

The image depicts a sword guard or tsuba, which is a Japanese metal plate used to protect the hand while wielding a sword. This tsuba, created by an unknown artist, features a dark brown or black metal composition with a predominantly dark patina and subtle hints of gold. The tsuba has a distinctive quatrefoil shape, characterized by four rounded lobes separated by a central oval opening. A smaller oval shape with a teardrop-shaped opening is situated inside the central oval. The surface features a raised design with a rope-like texture along the edges. The lobes display raised floral patterns comprised of curving stems, leaves, and teardrop-shaped motifs. A raised ridge runs along the outer edge of the tsuba. Against a gradient background transitioning from dark to light gray, the tsuba appears centered.