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
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette