Blade and Mounting for a Short Sword (<i>Wakizashi</i>)

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This mounting is distinguished by its silver-clad scabbard with fine striations. The ornament toward the bottom of the scabbard, realistically modelled in repoussé, represents a cicada. Covered in white ray skin, the hilt is wrapped in a black and white cord with a braided design of four-sectioned lozenge crests. It features grip ornaments in the form of ladybugs. The other metal fittings follow a contrasting combination of gold and shakudō. With its luxurious decoration and bold yet elegant color scheme, this nineteenth-century mounting revives the flamboyant sword fashion of the Momoyama period (1573–1615). To emphasize that reference, it was paired with a sixteenth-century sword guard whose decoration and choice of metals are in perfect harmony with the other elements of the mounting.

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