Sword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) Depicting Dragon Between Waves (波龍図鐔)

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This tsuba shows on the obverse a prominent golden dragon between waves and clouds which are also seeon on the reverse. The space between the clouds and waves is filled with nanako (a fish roe-like surface finish), as is the rim, and the sprey of the waves is highlighted in gold. Tokinobu (1827-1879) was a student of the second Sano generation Naoteru (直照) who was later adopted his master and succeeded as third generation of this school. His real name was Mori Ichijūrō (守市十郎) and tradition has it that he also learned from the Yanagawa master Naotoki (直時).

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