木賊兎図大小揃物 Fittings for a Pair of Swords (<i>Daishō Soroi-Mono</i>)

石黒政美 Ishiguro Masayoshi

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

One of Ishiguro Masayoshi’s (石黒政美, 1774–1862) masterpieces, this is a rare complete set of fittings for a pair of swords (daishō), comprising sword guards (tsuba), knife handles (kozuka), hilt ornaments (menuki), pommels (kashira), and hilt collars (fuchi).The decoration features rabbits and the horsetail plant, a traditional combination. In Asian folklore, the dark markings on the near side of the moon are interpreted as a rabbit that makes the moon shine brightly by polishing it with horsetail. Masayoshi was one of the most renowned artists of the Ishiguro School, and his luxurious interpretations contributed greatly to the school’s success.

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