Artwork preview

Sword Guard (Tsuba)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Dark brown sword guard, tsuba, with a rounded shape featuring a scalloped edge. Two oval-shaped holes on either side of a central vertical slot. The surface exhibits a weathered appearance with visible signs of aging and wear. A figure kneels in the lower right corner, smoking a pipe. The background of the guard features engraved designs resembling plants. The overall appearance suggests an aged metal artifact. Sword Guard (Tsuba) by artist.

Artwork details

Date:
17th century
Medium:
Iron, silver
Culture:
Japanese
Dimensions:
600 × 600 px
Museum record:
View original
Palette