Sword Guard (Tsuba)

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Both sides of this tsuba are interpreted in relief, depicting in a dynamic manner overlapping gingko leaves with dew drops highlighted in gold and shibuichi. Mitsuoki (光興), real name Ōtsuki Kihachirō (大月喜八郎), later Ōtsuki Gozaemon (大月五左衛門), was born in Meiwa three (明和, 1766) as son of the third Kyōto-based Ōtsuki master Mitsuyoshi (光芳, 1747-1816). Thus, he is traditionally counted as fourth generation Ōtsuki and so his statement of him being the fifth generation Kōrin (光林, which was the art name of the founder of the school) needs further research. In any case, Mitsuoki was the most artist of the school. He studied painting with the Maruyama School masters Ganku (岸駒, 1749/1756-1838) and Nagazawa Rosetsu (長沢蘆雪, 1754-1799) in Edo and established his workshop Yamashiro’ya (山城屋) after his return to Kyōto around the age of 50. It is said that up to his death in Tenpō five (天保, 1834), he had trained more than twenty sword fitting makers.

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