Sword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) in the Japanese Style

Sword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) in the Japanese Style

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This is an example of a Southeast Asian sword guard that combines stylistic elements from European smallsword guards with Asian forms of decorative styles. With this mixture of styles, this piece can be recognized as part of a rare but distinct group of sword guards currently categorized under the term “Asian Export Sword Guards” that were commissioned by maritime traders such as the Dutch. Due to the opening added later to accomodate a utility knife (kozuka), this guard was probably used at some point in time in Japan.

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Sword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) in the Japanese StyleSword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) in the Japanese StyleSword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) in the Japanese StyleSword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) in the Japanese StyleSword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) in the Japanese Style

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.