Sword Guard (Tsuba)

Gotō Mitsuakira

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Gotō Mitsuakira (1816–1856) was the sixteenth generation master of the main line of the renowned Gotō School of sword fitting makers. The decoration of this tsuba features Fukurokuju, the Shinto god of happiness, wealth, and longevity, with a stag. The fineness of the engraving distinguishes it as one of Mitsuakira’s masterpieces.

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