Sword Guard (Tsuba) With the Motif of Connected Shippō Elements (七宝繋ぎ透鐔)

Japanese

Not on view

The mesh-like pattern of this tsuba is composed of connected elements which are either described as four spindles arranged in a circle with ends touching or as overlapping circles, shippō in Japanese. As the so created design is infinite, it represents peace and harmony and was regarded as an auspicious symbol which also represented the wish for an "endless flourishing of one’s descendants" or an "infinite amount of treasures."

Sword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) With the Motif of Connected <i>Shippō</i> Elements (七宝繋ぎ透鐔), Copper-gold alloy (shakudō), Japanese

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Open Access

As part of the Met's Open Access policy, you can freely copy, modify and distribute this image, even for commercial purposes.

API

Public domain data for this object can also be accessed using the Met's Open Access API.

Obverse

Sword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) With the Motif of Connected <i>Shippō</i> Elements (七宝繋ぎ透鐔), Copper-gold alloy (shakudō), Japanese
Sword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) With the Motif of Connected <i>Shippō</i> Elements (七宝繋ぎ透鐔), Copper-gold alloy (shakudō), Japanese

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.