Artwork preview

Sword Guard (Tsuba)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Rusty brown metal object, circular with a large central oval hole. The circle has 7 additional holes of varying shapes, including triangular and rounded shapes. The metal appears corroded and damaged, with rough edges and surface. A portion of the top edge is missing. The object resembles a sword guard.

Artwork details

Date:
ca. 3rd century–538
Medium:
Iron
Culture:
Japanese
Dimensions:
600 × 600 px
Museum record:
View original
Palette