Artwork preview

Sword Guard (Tsuba)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Dark brown circular metal object with a central oval cutout. The object features a curved design resembling a wave or a hook on the left side. The central oval cutout is teardrop-shaped. The object has a series of etched lines and shapes resembling abstract mountains or trees on the top and right sides. The background of the image is light gray. The object appears to be made of metal and has a weathered appearance. The object is symmetrical about the vertical axis. The object has a raised edge around its circumference. The object appears to be a sword guard or tsuba. The artist and title of the object are unknown but referred to as "Sword Guard (Tsuba)".

Artwork details

Date:
early 17th century
Medium:
Iron, copper
Culture:
Japanese
Dimensions:
600 × 600 px
Museum record:
View original
Palette