Artwork preview

Sword Guard (Tsuba)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The sword guard, or Tsuba, by an unknown artist is a circular, dark brown metal object with a textured surface. The object features two central holes, one oval on the left and one elongated teardrop in the center. The right side displays an embossed design resembling a figure or animal. Small gold inlays are scattered throughout the lower right section. The object has a worn appearance with visible scratches and marks.

Artwork Details

Date
ca. 1615–1868
Medium
Iron, copper
Culture
Japanese
Dimensions
600 × 600 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette