Saber

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The green nephrite grip is carved with a rippling pattern that echoes the crucible, or "watered," steel of the blade. The Arabic inscriptions on the blade include one verse praising the infinite gentleness and power of God and another verse referring to the sword called dhu'l-faqar. The latter was one of the swords of the prophet Muhammad and was widely regarded as a symbol of spiritual and political authority.

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