Whistling Arrow

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This arrowhead was probably made as a votive gift or souvenir in connection with a shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the deified founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. Iside the arrowhead carved figures represent beings whose aid could be invoked for personal protection and success in battle. In the left half are the three sacred monkeys (Sambiki zaru), with the text of a prayer written behind them. In the right half are the Buddhist goddess Marishiten, who was especially venerated by archers, and Tokugawa Ieyasu. Behind them are the seed syllables representing two more deities: Aizen Myō-ō and Amida Nyorai>

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The principal goals of the Arms and Armor Department are to collect, preserve, research, publish, and exhibit distinguished examples representing the art of the armorer, swordsmith, and gunmaker. Arms and armor have been a vital part of virtually all cultures for thousands of years, pivotal not only in conquest and defense, but also in court pageantry and ceremonial events. Throughout time the best armor and weapons have represented the highest artistic and technical capabilities of the society and period in which they were made, forming a unique aspect of both art history and material culture.

Metropolitan Museum of Art