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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 Autumn Grasses

Tsuba with Autumn Grasses

1871 (Meiji)
51.1244.2
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Image for Tsuba with the Sun Goddess Amaterasu and Her Brother Susano-ô

Tsuba with the Sun Goddess Amaterasu and Her Brother Susano-ô

1874 (Meiji period (1868-1912))
51.244
On view
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Image for Stirrup ("Abumi") with Floral Design

Stirrup ("Abumi") with Floral Design

late19th century (Meiji)
51.1310
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Image for Tsuba with Crabs and Lotus Plants

Tsuba with Crabs and Lotus Plants

late 19th century (Meiji)
51.263
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Image for Tsuba with Floral Design of Overlapping Textiles ("Ho-o")

Tsuba with Floral Design of Overlapping Textiles ("Ho-o")

Japanese Artist
late 19th century
51.298
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Image for Stirrup ("Abumi") with Floral Design

Stirrup ("Abumi") with Floral Design

late 19th century (Meiji)
51.1311
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Image for Kozuka with Gama and Tekkai

Kozuka with Gama and Tekkai

1879-1925 (Meiji-Taisho)
51.740
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Image for Tsuba with Wild Goose

Tsuba with Wild Goose

1879-ca. 1925 (Meiji)
51.405
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