Artwork preview

Sword Guard (Tsuba)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

This sword guard (tsuba) is circular with a dark brown patina. The shape is roughly symmetrical with a central vertical rectangle. Four curved shapes resembling leaves or waves extend outwards from the center on both sides. These shapes have rounded ends and are formed by curved lines. There are two on the top and bottom. The background of the image is gray.

Artwork details

Date:
18th century
Medium:
Iron, copper
Culture:
Japanese
Dimensions:
600 × 600 px
Museum record:
View original
Palette