Sword Guard

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Depicting the face of a wrathful Tibetan Buddhist guardian deity, this extremely rare sword guard was originally part of a complete and very lavish sword. It is from the peak period of Tibetan or Sino-Tibetan ironwork, coinciding with the rule of the Phagmodrupa kings in central Tibet and the Hongwu and Yongle dynasties in China. It is exceptional for the precision and crispness of its chiseling, punched work, and damascening; for the height of the raised decoration; and for the balance and cohesion of its overall design.

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