Sword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) Depicting Heron on Boat (一路平安図鐔)

Shōzui

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This tsuba shows on the obverse a heron standing with one leg raised at the edge of a boat, a symbolism that represents such a peace and calmness that it was therefore traditionally associated with wishing someone a "safe journey" (ichiro-heian) in Japan. The upper left area shows a rising sun and on the reverse we see the moon and towards the bottom a small rock formation, small bamboo, and running water. The artist Shōzui (政隨, 1696-1769) was trained by master Nara Toshinaga (奈良利寿, 1667-1736). After finishing his apprenticeship, he parted with the Nara School and established his own school, the Hamano (浜野) School, which became one of the most thriving and influental currents of the art of sword fitting making throughout the Edo period. Apart from Shūhōsai (穐蜂斎), Shōzui also used the art names Otsuryūken (乙柳軒), Miboku (味墨), Yūkotei (遊壷亭), Keitō (圭竇), and Keitōrin (圭竇林).

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