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
Museum record:
View original
Palette