Sword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) With the Motif of Connected <i>Shippō</i> Elements (七宝繋ぎ透鐔)

Sword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) With the Motif of Connected <i>Shippō</i> Elements (七宝繋ぎ透鐔)

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The mesh-like pattern of this tsuba is composed of connected elements which are either described as four spindles arranged in a circle with ends touching or as overlapping circles, shippō in Japanese. As the so created design is infinite, it represents peace and harmony and was regarded as an auspicious symbol which also represented the wish for an "endless flourishing of one’s descendants" or an "infinite amount of treasures."

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Sword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) With the Motif of Connected <i>Shippō</i> Elements (七宝繋ぎ透鐔)Sword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) With the Motif of Connected <i>Shippō</i> Elements (七宝繋ぎ透鐔)Sword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) With the Motif of Connected <i>Shippō</i> Elements (七宝繋ぎ透鐔)Sword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) With the Motif of Connected <i>Shippō</i> Elements (七宝繋ぎ透鐔)Sword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) With the Motif of Connected <i>Shippō</i> Elements (七宝繋ぎ透鐔)

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.