Kozuka with a Centipede

Description A large centipede appears on this kozuka, with its head facing toward the blade. A giant centipede was famously defeated by the 10th-century warrior Tawara Toda. This centipede has thirty-six legs. The reverse of the kozuka is in gold and shibuichi. The artist's signature is in the gold section.

Provenance Henry Walters, Baltimore [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.

Inscriptions [Signature] Ryûchiken Hideyuki

Credit Acquired by Henry Walters