Sword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) With the Motif of Dragonfly in Grapevine (葡萄に勝虫図鐔)

Sword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) With the Motif of Dragonfly in Grapevine (葡萄に勝虫図鐔)

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The obverse of this tsuba shows towards the top a dragonfly (kachimushi) that is enirely highlighted in gold. The surface is finished with hammerblows and shows grapevine, with the veins of one leaf of the obverse being inlaid in gold. At the other leaves, the veins are carved in kebori, but all grapes, on the obverse as on the reverse, are gilded. The outline of the washer seat (seppa-dai) has an uncommon gear wheel shape.

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Sword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) With the Motif of Dragonfly in Grapevine (葡萄に勝虫図鐔)Sword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) With the Motif of Dragonfly in Grapevine (葡萄に勝虫図鐔)Sword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) With the Motif of Dragonfly in Grapevine (葡萄に勝虫図鐔)Sword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) With the Motif of Dragonfly in Grapevine (葡萄に勝虫図鐔)Sword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) With the Motif of Dragonfly in Grapevine (葡萄に勝虫図鐔)

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.