This gallery displays objects from the Walters collection of Japanese arms and armor. Most of the Japanese military objects William and Henry Walters collected were made during the Edo (1615-1867) and Meiji (1868-1912) periods. During these years, Japan was largely at peace. There was still a military class (the samurai), but they rarely engaged in active battle. Arms and armor became an outward symbol of status among members of the military class. Once Westerners were able to freely enter Japan after 1854, swords and sword fittings became popular items to collect. Some of the fittings in the Walters collection were made specifically for sale to Westerners and were never mounted on swords.

One of the most popular sword fittings among collectors was the “tsuba” or sword guard. Tsubas are placed at the end of the sword handle, or “tsuka,” to protect the bearer’s hand from being cut. Adjacent to the tsuba is a small decorated ring called the “fuchi.” This surrounds the opening on the handle and is usually paired with a “kashira” that covers the pommel end of the handle. On either side of the handle were “menuki.” These were originally developed because they helped the bearer maintain his grip on the handle, but later became strictly decorative adornments. The scabbard covering the blade is called the “saya.” In addition to shielding the sword, it often has openings along the outside to hold a utility knife and a hairpin, chopsticks or a tool designed to spur a horse. The decorated handle of the utility knife is called the “kozuka.” The other items are called “kogai,” warikogai,” and “umabari.” In some cases all of these fittings were made as a set by one artist, but more frequently three or four different artists would make the pieces used in one mounting.

The sword blades were made by pounding and folding hot, high-carbon steel into thin sheets. This resulted in a strong blade of many thin layers. The edge of the blade has a distinctive pattern known as “hamon.” The pattern is actually formed by heating and rapidly cooling the steel in order to transform the metal’s molecular structure and increase its hardness. Sword makers signed their name on the tang, or mounting end of the blade, which is covered by the handle. Old blades, particularly those from the 14th century or earlier, were often shortened and reused to meet the needs of the Edo period military class. When this happened they were mounted with new fittings.

Japanese suits of armor were made of lacquered iron plates woven together in tight rows. They were relatively light and allowed freedom of movement for the wearer. Breast plates and helmets provided additional protection. During the Edo period, armor was often worn in parades rather than battle, so elaborate decorations developed that would have been impractical on the battlefield. Helmets, in particular, were designed in fanciful shapes that could be easily seen as they paraded through the streets.

During the Meiji period (1868-1912), Japan began adopting customs from the West. Western style military garb was used by the newly formed Imperial army and Japanese-style arms and armor gradually became objects of almost purely historical interest.

The study and photography of the Japanese Arms and Armor collection was made possible through a generous grant provided by the Institute for Museum and Library Services. The IMLS is the primary source of federal support for the nation's 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The Institute's mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas.