Sword guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) With Cherry Blossom Motif (桜図鐔)

Sword guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) With Cherry Blossom Motif (桜図鐔)

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This shakudō tsuba shows a blossoming cherry tree in relief, with the blossoms and unopened buds overlaid in gold and with the design stretching over the rim.

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Sword guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) With Cherry Blossom Motif (桜図鐔)Sword guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) With Cherry Blossom Motif (桜図鐔)Sword guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) With Cherry Blossom Motif (桜図鐔)Sword guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) With Cherry Blossom Motif (桜図鐔)Sword guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) With Cherry Blossom Motif (桜図鐔)

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.