Artwork preview

Sword Guard (Tsuba)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Oval-shaped sword guard with a scalloped edge, featuring an openwork design. The guard has a central oval cutout. A stylized design element is at the top, resembling a seed pod or leaf with a small gear-like protrusion. On either side are symmetrical patterns resembling leaves or petals, with a geometric design at the bottom. The entire piece appears to be made of dark metal. Sword Guard (Tsuba).

Artwork Details

Date
possibly 17th century
Medium
Iron, copper
Culture
Japanese
Dimensions
600 × 600 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette