Sword with Scabbard Mounts

6th century

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 377

Ancient Japanese swords and swords imported from Asian mainland in ancient times are classified on the basis of the interpretation of their pommels. The peculiarly shaped pommel of this sword bears resemblance to the top part (/tō) of an ancient Chinese gem (kei) and is thus referred to as keitō type.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

References

Title: Sword with Scabbard Mounts
Date: 6th century
Geography: Gunma Prefecture
Culture: probably Japanese
Medium: Iron, gilt copper, silver
Dimensions: L. 34 in. (86.4 cm)
Classification: Swords
Credit Line: Fletcher Fund, 1932
Object Number: 32.13.1a, b
Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

More Artwork

In the same gallery

In the same medium

From the same time and place

A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.

Sword with Scabbard Mounts, Iron, gilt copper, wood, Japanese — Sword with Scabbard Mounts
Japanese
6th century

Sword with Scabbard Mounts, Iron, gilt bronze, gilt copper, silver, Japanese — Sword with Scabbard Mounts
Japanese
6th century

Sword with Scabbard Mounts, Iron, gold, copper, Japanese — Sword with Scabbard Mounts
Japanese
6th–7th century

Sword with Scabbard Mounts, Iron, bronze, copper, gold, silver, Japanese — Sword with Scabbard Mounts
Japanese
6th century

Sword with Scabbard Mounts, Iron, bronze, gold, silver, wood, Chinese — Sword with Scabbard Mounts
Chinese
ca. 600

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.