Sword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) With the Motif of Chrysanthemums and Arabesques (菊唐草に七宝図鐔)

Sword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) With the Motif of Chrysanthemums and Arabesques (菊唐草に七宝図鐔)

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Both sides of this small tantō-tsuba show an arabesque karakusa-design with each two small chrysanthemums on both sides that are embedded into an arabesque inlay that features red and blue cloisonné.

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Sword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) With the Motif of Chrysanthemums and Arabesques (菊唐草に七宝図鐔)Sword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) With the Motif of Chrysanthemums and Arabesques (菊唐草に七宝図鐔)Sword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) With the Motif of Chrysanthemums and Arabesques (菊唐草に七宝図鐔)Sword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) With the Motif of Chrysanthemums and Arabesques (菊唐草に七宝図鐔)Sword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) With the Motif of Chrysanthemums and Arabesques (菊唐草に七宝図鐔)

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.