Artwork preview

Sword Guard (Tsuba)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Oval-shaped metal object with a large central hole and smaller hole to the right. The central hole is shaped like a teardrop with the pointed end facing down. The metal object has a dark patina with areas of gold inlay. Two figures with hands clasped in prayer are on the left, with one above the other. The figures are wearing robes and circular headpieces. The figure on top has a blue and gold striped sash. Gold inlays are used to depict waves at the bottom and a floral branch at the top. The background of the image is a plain gray surface. The object is likely a sword guard, specifically a tsuba.

Artwork details

Date:
ca. 1615–1868
Medium:
Copper-silver alloy (shibuichi), silver, gold, copper-gold alloy (shakudō)
Culture:
Japanese
Dimensions:
600 × 600 px
Museum record:
View original
Palette