A tsuba is a sword guard and part of a sword mounting. It is mounted between the sword’s blade and grip to protect the user’s hands.
Credit: Gift of Mrs. George A. Crocker (Elizabeth Masten), 1937
Early 19th century
Iron, gold, copper
7.3in
38.25.15
Image and text © Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2019
Where you'll find this
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Permanent collection