Sword Guard (Tsuba) With the Motif of Chrysanthemums and Butterfly (菊と蝶図鐔)

Japanese

Not on view

The motif area inside of the raised rim of this tsuba is engraved in an arabesque pattern (karakusa). The obverse is decorated with the relief of a large swallowtail butterfly (Japanese: ageha-chō, 揚羽蝶) which is decorated in various precious metals. The reverse shows chrysanthemums whose flowers are inlaid in copper, gold, and shibuichi. Parts of the leaves and the dewdrops are highlighted in gold.

Sword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) With the Motif of Chrysanthemums and Butterfly (菊と蝶図鐔), Iron, gold, copper, silver-copper alloy (shibuichi), Japanese

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Obverse