Artwork Page for Sword Guard (Tsuba)

Details / Information for Sword Guard (Tsuba)

Sword Guard (Tsuba)

c. 1615–1868

Japan, possibly Edo period

(1615-1868)
Medium
iron
Measurements
Diameter: 8 cm (3 1/8 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of D. Z. Norton 1919.480
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print
A circular sword guard is made of weathered, dark-brown iron with a raised outer rim. A tapered opening runs vertically through the center. Flanking this gap, symmetrical openwork depicts five-petaled cherry blossoms with notched tips, each silhouette containing a smaller concentric blossom. The pitted metal contrasts with the airy cutouts, emphasizing the balanced composition between the solid disk and the floral motifs.

Sword Guard (Tsuba)

c. 1615–1868

Japan, possibly Edo period (1615-1868)

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