When was "Sword Guard (Tsuba)" created?

This artwork was created late 17th century.

What medium is "Sword Guard (Tsuba)"?

Sword Guard (Tsuba) is Iron, copper.

Is "Sword Guard (Tsuba)" in the public domain?

Yes, Sword Guard (Tsuba) is in the public domain and available for free download under CC0 license.

Sword Guard (Tsuba)

Unknown Artist

late 17th century

Medium

Iron, copper

Dimensions

H. 3 5/16 in. (8.4 cm); W. 2 15/16 in. (7.5 cm); thickness 3/16 in. (0.5 cm); Wt. 4.3 oz. (121.9 g)

Classification

Sword Furniture-Tsuba

Culture

Japanese

Department

Arms and Armor

Museum

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY

Credit

Gift of Bashford Dean, 1919

Accession Number

19.154.19

Tags

Men

Art Historical Context

This exquisite **Sword Guard (Tsuba)** from late 17th-century Japan exemplifies the masterful fusion of function and artistry in samurai weaponry. Crafted from iron inlaid or overlaid with copper, it measures just 3 5/16 inches high and weighs a sturdy 4.3 ounces, perfectly suited to protect the wielder's hand on a katana or wakizashi sword. Tsuba like this were essential components of the sword mounting (koshirae), serving as both a practical guard and a canvas for intricate designs—here evoking themes associated with men, perhaps warriors or mythical figures, though the exact motif remains a...

Sword Guard (Tsuba)

Send Feedback