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 sword guard is comparable in design and workmanship to examples from Korea, particularly certain Hwando (military swords) from the Joseon Dynasty (15th to 19th centuries). Korean and other Southeast Asian swords were influenced by Japanese swords. Due to the close similarity of this guard with Japanese sword guards (tsuba), it can be seen as a reference point in the study of cultural and artistic inter-Asian influences.

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.