Sword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) With the Motif of Autumnal Vegetation (秋草透鐔)

Sword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) With the Motif of Autumnal Vegetation (秋草透鐔)

Mitsunobu

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This tsuba shows a three-dimensional openwork (nikubori ji-sukashi) of autumnal vegetation (akikusa), with the two hitsu-ana (openings for scabbard accessories) being organically formed by the motif. Please note that the first part of the signature, "Nōshū-jū" (濃州住, "resident of Mino province"), is chiseled whereas the second part, "Mitsunobu + monogram" (光伸「花押」) is inlaid in gold and executed in seal script.

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Sword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) With the Motif of Autumnal Vegetation (秋草透鐔)Sword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) With the Motif of Autumnal Vegetation (秋草透鐔)Sword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) With the Motif of Autumnal Vegetation (秋草透鐔)Sword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) With the Motif of Autumnal Vegetation (秋草透鐔)Sword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) With the Motif of Autumnal Vegetation (秋草透鐔)

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.