Sword with Scabbard Mounts

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Ancient Japanese swords and swords imported from Asian mainland in ancient times are classified on the basis of the interpretation of their pommels, here interpreted in the form of an archaic lion (shishikami or shikami) whose upper jaw forms the lower edge of the pommel which borders to the hilt. Most such hilts were excavated in eastern Japan, primarily in Shizuoka and Gunma Prefectures, and the fact that no such specimen have yet been discovered in western Japan and Korea suggests that we are facing here an indigenous and rather local pommel interpretation.

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