Sword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) Depicting an Arrangement of Masks (面散図鐔)

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This tsuba shows what appears to be an arrangement of masks (men, 面), with a copper lion mask on the obverse and a fox mask on the reverse. In addition, we see one circular recess on each side which is filled with jade and a flower-like copper/jade element on the obverse. The rim is carved into several segments. The reverse also features a banner which bears the inscription "Kikusuiken + monogram," although the relevant sources do not list any sword fittings maker using this art name. With the lion and fox masks being featured in the Nō plays Shakkyō (石橋) and Kokaji (小鍛冶) respectively, and the name Kikusuiken alluding to the play Kikujidō (菊慈童), the motif of this tsuba could be a general allusion to Nō.

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