Sword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) Depicting Hanshan and Shide (寒山拾得図鐔)

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This tsuba is interpreted in katachibori, meaning that the motif forms its outlines. Hanshan (寒山, Japanese: Kanzan) is shown on top with his scroll forming the entire right and bottom part of the tsuba. The reverse shows a broom, which is the attribute of Shide (拾得, Japanese: Jittoku), thus we have both of the popular figures represented on this tsuba. The face and hands of Hanshan are inlaid in copper and parts of his garments and the end of his scroll are highlighted in gold.

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