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Japanese Military 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 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.

Special Thanks

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.

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Image for Tsuba with Classical Poets

Tsuba with Classical Poets

1804-1886 (late Edo-Meiji)
51.334
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Image for Tsuba with an "Oni" (Demon)

Tsuba with an "Oni" (Demon)

1804-1876 (Edo)
51.90
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Image for Kozuka with a Horse and Show Monkey

Kozuka with a Horse and Show Monkey

1805-1858 (late Edo)
51.634
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Image for Tsuba with Chrysanthemums and a Snail

Tsuba with Chrysanthemums and a Snail

ca. 1824-1864 (late Edo)
51.209
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Image for Kozuka with a Crane under a Pine Tree Branch

Kozuka with a Crane under a Pine Tree Branch

ca. 1825 (late Edo)
51.874
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Image for Kozuka with Cranes and Reeds

Kozuka with Cranes and Reeds

1813-1891 (late Edo-Meiji)
51.855
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Image for Tsuba with a Chinese Landscape

Tsuba with a Chinese Landscape

ca. 1825 (Edo)
51.380
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Image for Kashira with Tiger and Stream

Kashira with Tiger and Stream

1813-1891 (late Edo-Meiji)
51.1119
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Image for Tsuba with a Tiger on a Cliff

Tsuba with a Tiger on a Cliff

1813-1896 (late Edo-Meiji)
51.146
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Image for Kozuka with Foreign Ships

Kozuka with Foreign Ships

ca. 1825 (late Edo)
51.682
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Image for Kozuka of a Flintlock Pistol

Kozuka of a Flintlock Pistol

ca. 1825 (late Edo)
51.752
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Image for Tsuba with Wang Xizhi

Tsuba with Wang Xizhi

ca. 1825 (late Edo)
51.144
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Image for Tsuba with Benkei at the Barrier Gate, from the Play "The Subscription List"

Tsuba with Benkei at the Barrier Gate, from the Play "The Subscription List"

ca.1825 (late Edo)
51.102
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Image for Tsuba with Dragons in Cartouches

Tsuba with Dragons in Cartouches

ca. 1825-1850 (late Edo)
51.333
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Image for Tsuba with the Boat Bridge ("Funabashi") at Sano

Tsuba with the Boat Bridge ("Funabashi") at Sano

ca. 1825 (late Edo)
51.406
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Image for Fuchi with Dragon in Clouds

Fuchi with Dragon in Clouds

ca. 1825-1850 (late Edo)
51.1231.3A
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Image for Fuchi with Pine Tree and Stream

Fuchi with Pine Tree and Stream

1813-1891 (late Edo-Meiji)
51.1118
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Image for Tsuka with Dragons

Tsuka with Dragons

ca. 1825-1850 (late Edo)
51.1231.3B
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Image for Tsuba with Two Cranes among Reeds

Tsuba with Two Cranes among Reeds

ca. 1825 (Edo)
51.194
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Image for Tsuba with Peacocks and Peonies

Tsuba with Peacocks and Peonies

ca. 1825 (Edo)
51.1180.2
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Image for Kozuka with Three Birds

Kozuka with Three Birds

1814-1882 (late Edo-Meiji)
51.790
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Image for Kozuka with Yoshitsune Rescuing his Bow at Yashima

Kozuka with Yoshitsune Rescuing his Bow at Yashima

1814-1882 (late Edo-Meiji)
51.870
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Image for Tsuba with Lion Dancers

Tsuba with Lion Dancers

1815 (late Edo)
51.105
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Image for Kozuka with Banner

Kozuka with Banner

1816-1856 (late Edo)
51.810
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Image for Tsuba with Cranes

Tsuba with Cranes

19th century (late Edo)
51.223
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Image for Kozuka with Fan and Chrysanthemums

Kozuka with Fan and Chrysanthemums

1816-1856 (late Edo)
51.871
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Image for Kozuka with Scene from Dôjôji

Kozuka with Scene from Dôjôji

1816-1856 (late Edo)
51.866
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Image for Kozuka with Pheasant Under Bamboo

Kozuka with Pheasant Under Bamboo

1816-1856 (late Edo)
51.684
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Image for Kashira with a Warrior and Attendant

Kashira with a Warrior and Attendant

ca. 1829 (late Edo)
51.1005
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Image for Tsuba with Herons

Tsuba with Herons

1817-1870 (Edo period)
51.339
On view
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Image for Fuchi with Japanese Warrior under a Pine Tree

Fuchi with Japanese Warrior under a Pine Tree

ca. 1829 (late Edo)
51.1004
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Image for Long Sword with Imitation Bamboo Saya and Dragon

Long Sword with Imitation Bamboo Saya and Dragon

1817-1882 (late Edo-Meiji)
51.1218
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