秋草に鹿図鐔 Sword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>)

紫原壽良画 Murasakibara Toshiyoshi

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This is arguably the best among nine works by Murasakibara Toshiyoshi (紫原壽良, 1829—?) in the Museum’s collection. Over a central circular openwork, which represents the moon, this sword guard (tsuba) depicts a deer and autumnal vegetation. A drawing of this very piece is featured in Ranzan Tsuneyuki’s Album of Designs for Metal Carving (acc. no. 36.120.699). The precision of the drawing, down to the faithfully copied signature and monogram, suggests that Tsuneyuki had direct access to Toshiyoshi’s work. Additionally, slightly different drawings of this sword guard in Tsuneyuki’s sketchbook suggest that the artist was experimenting with his own designs based on Toshiyoshi’s work.

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