Sword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) Depicting Guardian of the Buddha (仁王図鐔)

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This tsuba shows on the obverse a prominent and highly sculptural Niō (guardian of the Buddha, also referred to as Kongōrikishi, 金剛力士) with his typical attributes vajra (a ritual Buddhist weapon) and draped garment. The reverse shows a dove and scattered leaves. The work is a typical ostentatious hamamono primarily made for export.

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