Sword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) Depicting Shishi Lion and Elephant (獅子象図鐔)

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This tsuba shows on its obverse two medallion-style elements in relief, one shishi lion and one elephant, which are partly highlighted in gold and copper. The reverse shows towards the bottom left the relief of a partially gilded seal that bears the two characters of the artist’s name, Munechika. Both sides are further decorated with engravings of a disconnected hexagonal kikkō pattern that features some gold highlights. Munechika was a student of the Tsuchiya (土屋) School. There exists a dated work from Bunkyū three (文久, 1863).

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