Sword guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) With Cherry Blossom Motif (桜図与四郎象嵌鐔)

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This Yoshirō style iron tsuba shows on both sides a brass inlay (shinchū-zōgan) of cherry blossoms embedded into arabesques. The arrangement of the design suggests that the two openings for scabbard accessories (hitsu-ana) are orignal and were not added later as it is so often the case. In addition, there is almost no loss of inlay and so this tsuba is in excellent condition.

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