Artwork preview

Sword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The object is a rounded square shape with a central cut-out section. It is primarily black, with a large oval cut-out in the center. Two figures are on either side. The left figure is a demon-like creature with horns, green eyes, and a large mouth; it is brown with gold accents. The right figure is a bearded man wearing a robe and a headband with gold accents; he holds a staff. The background of the image is plain and light gray. The object appears to be a sword guard, also known as a tsuba.

Artwork details

Date:
18th century
Medium:
Copper-gold alloy (shakudō), copper, gold, silver
Culture:
Japanese
Dimensions:
600 × 600 px
Museum record:
View original
Palette