芒蒔絵鞘突兵拵 Blade and Mounting for a Sword (<i>Katana</i>)

高本秀宗 Takamoto Hidemune

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The style of this mounting, known as toppei-koshirae, emerged at the end of the Edo period (1615–1868). It reflects the influence of Western infantry swords at a time when Japan was modernizing its armed forces. The fittings, including a hilt collar dated 1871, are masterworks by Takamoto Hidemune (高本秀宗, 1819–1887), who had trained with one of the last great masters of the Edo period, Tanaka Kiyotoshi (田中清寿, 1804–1876). The scabbard is decorated with a delicate makie lacquer décor in the form of Chinese silver grass. The blade is unsigned, but exhibits the style of the Late Seki (Sue-Seki) smiths of the 16th century.

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