Saddle (Kura)

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Japanese saddles are distinguished by an ingeniously simple method of construction combined with a virtually inexhaustible range of decorative motifs. The construction consists, typically, of only four pieces of skillfully shaped wood, which are held together by mortise-and-tenon joints and fastened in place by hemp or leather lacing. The surfaces are covered in Japanese lacquer (urushi) and often incorporate designs in gold or silver and inlays of ivory, mother-of-pearl, or abalone shell. This saddle is a particularly fine example of black-and-gold lacquer with extensive abalone-shell inlay. It is especially distinctive as it is possibly the only example with inlay of this kind that is signed, dated, and made for a known family. The underside is marked with the as-yet-unidentified kao (seal or monogram) of the saddle maker and with the date Meireki yon sai (equivalent to 1658). The outside of the pommel and cantle is decorated in gold with the mon (heraldic insignia) of the Nishio family, daimyo of Yokosuka, in present-day Shizuoka Prefecture. Delicate inlay covers much of the saddle and features designs of billowing waves (seikaiha) and round blossoms set among lush scrolling vines (karakusa).

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