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Sword Guard (Tsuba)

Fittings maker Inscribed by Joka Japanese
early 19th century
Not on view
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.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Sword Guard (Tsuba)
  • Fittings maker: Inscribed by Joka (Japanese, Tokyo, active late 18th–early 19th century) , after Yasuchika
  • Date: early 19th century
  • Geography: Tokyo
  • Culture: Japanese, Tokyo
  • Medium: Iron, lacquer, gold
  • Dimensions: H. 3 1/4 in. (8.3 cm); W. 3 in. (7.6 cm)
  • Classification: Sword Furniture-Tsuba
  • Credit Line: Gift of Ryoichi Iida, 1999
  • Object Number: 1999.270
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor
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