Artwork preview

Sword Guard (Tsuba)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Dark brown tsuba with rounded rectangular shape featuring rounded scalloped edges. Two openings, one oval to left and one elongated teardrop to right. Both openings have two small circular indentations on either side, suggesting they once held rivets. Surface shows signs of wear and aging, including spots of lighter brown rust and gold-colored material possibly gold leaf. A raised design on right side. Background is light gray.

Artwork details

Date:
ca. 1615–1868
Medium:
Iron, copper
Culture:
Japanese
Dimensions:
600 × 600 px
Museum record:
View original
Palette