This gallery is a collection of various pieces that reflect a visual representation of status, power and duty through the arms and armor found throughout history.
Spear, Unknown (maker), Unknown date, From the collection of: Te Papa
This spear was a weapon of the Vanuatu people of Oceania. It is comprised of bamboo, wood, bone and leaf. I chose this spear to represent the aesthetics that are often found in arms of the old world.
Tarbazīn, Lotf' Alī, 1735 - 1736, From the collection of: Museo Poldi Pezzoli
Tarbazin is a decorative axe head with inscriptions from the Koran. The axe has precious metal foils applied to the surface including silver and gold. This weapon embodies protection of one's faith.
Hilt for a ritual dagger [keris], Sundanese people, Java, Indonesia, Cirebon, 17th century, From the collection of: National Gallery of Australia
The hilt of a Keris was often displayed just above the sash or belt in court dress by 17th century Sudanese. This weapon is one of many examples of formal armament for dress attire.
Suit of armour, Myochin Muneharu, 1859 (made) - 1859, From the collection of: The Victoria and Albert Museum
This armor, crafted by Myochin Muneharu, was a diplomatic gift from Tokugawa Iemochi to Queen Victoria. This armor represents England and Japan's unification through diplomacy.
Parade armor and tack made for King Erik XIV of Sweden, Eliseus Libaerts, around 1562, From the collection of: Armoury, Dresden State Art Collections
King Erik XIV had this armor crafted in 1562. The grandiose plumage and inlay work on the armor is a clear display of the King's status. The armor is both functional and representational.
Minerva, John Cheere, 1756 -, From the collection of: National Palace of Queluz
Minerva, clad in armor, is a symbol of wisdom and intelligence. Valuing intellect yet prepping her spear, Minerva represents the importance of keen intellect behind a sharpened blade.
Mars, John Cheere, 1756 -, From the collection of: National Palace of Queluz
Mars is a symbol of unfailing power as the god of war. Mars stands with his hand at his sword demonstrating readiness for combat at all times. Both statues represent key elements of a true warrior.
Vajra, Unknown, 12th-14th century, From the collection of: Brooklyn Museum
Vajra, a sanskrit term meaning lightning bolt is depicted a mythical weapon of various Hindu deities. Vajra is one depiction of holy or sacred weapons that shows conflict exists on all planes.
Tsuba with Hare, unknown, Meiji period, 2nd half 19th century, signed: Umetada, From the collection of: Kunstpalast
The tsuba is a cross-guard to protect the wielder from sliding his hand up the blade during combat. The tsuba evolved during the era of the samurai to become symbols of status for the noble warriors.
Uchigatana Style Sword Mounting (For katana sword attributed to Motoshige) with red-lacquered scabbard, Azuchi-Momoyama - Edo period, 16th - 17th century, From the collection of: Tokyo National Museum
This katana was forged for Yuki Hideyasu, son of Tokugawa Hideyasu. It's tsuba displays a pair of strong oxen. The katana is the epitome of form and function as even the blade has artistic details.
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This user gallery has been created by an independent third party and may not represent the views of the institutions whose collections include the featured works or of Google Arts & Culture.
