Matrices for Sword Mounts

Matrices for Sword Mounts

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Bronze molds such as these were used to form the metal parts of a sword hilt and scabbard, usually made of the soft metals gold, silver, or copper. The three molds shown here are for the guard and the upper and lower scabbard mounts. The parts were formed in halves, then joined along the edges. The cross-shaped guard of the Nishapur sword exhibited nearby shows these joining seams.


Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Matrices for Sword MountsMatrices for Sword MountsMatrices for Sword MountsMatrices for Sword MountsMatrices for Sword Mounts

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.