Artwork preview

Sword Guard (Tsuba)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Round metal object with a latticework pattern. The latticework is made up of interlocking diamonds and circles. A thick border around the edge. Three cut-out sections: one long, thin oval in the center and two rounded ovals on either side. Metal surface gray with darker areas and scratches. Object appears to be a sword guard, also known as a tsuba.

Artwork details

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