Sword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) With the Motif of Chrysanthemums and Butterfly (菊と蝶図鐔)

Sword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) With the Motif of Chrysanthemums and Butterfly (菊と蝶図鐔)

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The motif area inside of the raised rim of this tsuba is engraved in an arabesque pattern (karakusa). The obverse is decorated with the relief of a large swallowtail butterfly (Japanese: ageha-chō, 揚羽蝶) which is decorated in various precious metals. The reverse shows chrysanthemums whose flowers are inlaid in copper, gold, and shibuichi. Parts of the leaves and the dewdrops are highlighted in gold.

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Sword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) With the Motif of Chrysanthemums and Butterfly (菊と蝶図鐔)Sword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) With the Motif of Chrysanthemums and Butterfly (菊と蝶図鐔)Sword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) With the Motif of Chrysanthemums and Butterfly (菊と蝶図鐔)Sword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) With the Motif of Chrysanthemums and Butterfly (菊と蝶図鐔)Sword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) With the Motif of Chrysanthemums and Butterfly (菊と蝶図鐔)

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.