Artwork preview

Sword Guard (Tsuba)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The sword guard (Tsuba) is circular and made of rusted metal. The metal has a rough texture with visible rust and corrosion. The guard has a teardrop shape at the top and eight cutouts around its perimeter. The cutouts are various shapes and sizes. The largest opening is in the center. The background is a solid light gray color.

Artwork details

Date:
ca. 3rd century–710
Medium:
Iron
Culture:
Japanese
Dimensions:
600 × 600 px
Museum record:
View original
Palette