Sword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) Depicting Guo Jù (郭巨図鐔)

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Both sides of this Sōten School (宗典) tsuba show in high relief various stations of Guo Jù (Japanese: Kakukyo), one of The Twenty-four Paragons of Filial Piety. Figures, huts, and pine trees are highlighted in gold, silver, and copper. Guo Jù from the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220 AD) lived with his mother, wife and son. He was known for being very filial to his mother. However, his family was poor and Guo became worried when he realised that his family's food supply was unable to feed four people. After discussing with his wife, they made a painful decision to bury their son alive, so that they would have one less mouth to feed. He also felt that he and his wife could have another child again, but he could not have his mother back if he lost her. While Guo was digging, he discovered a pot of gold and a note which said that the gold was a gift to him from Heaven. With the gold, Guo was able to provide for his whole family.

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