Object Image

Sword Guard (Tsuba)

Unknown Artist

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 Bashford Dean, 1919

c. 1615-1868

Iron, copper

8.3 in

19.154.67

Image and text © Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2019

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The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Permanent collection