Blade for a Dagger (<i>Tantō</i>) with Mounting (<i>Chisagatana</i>)

Blade for a Dagger (<i>Tantō</i>) with Mounting (<i>Chisagatana</i>)

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The chisagatana-type mounting is distinguished by the inclusion of a small tsuba (sword guard), a fitting typically omitted from dagger (tantō) mountings. The grip is covered with ray skin and wrapped with baleen, and the black-lacquered scabbard is decorated with engraved butterflies and paulownia flowers, which are highlighted with crushed abalone shell.

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Blade for a Dagger (<i>Tantō</i>) with Mounting (<i>Chisagatana</i>)Blade for a Dagger (<i>Tantō</i>) with Mounting (<i>Chisagatana</i>)Blade for a Dagger (<i>Tantō</i>) with Mounting (<i>Chisagatana</i>)Blade for a Dagger (<i>Tantō</i>) with Mounting (<i>Chisagatana</i>)Blade for a Dagger (<i>Tantō</i>) with Mounting (<i>Chisagatana</i>)

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.