Tsuba with the Taoist Immortal Bukan and his Tiger

Description Provenance Inscription Credit

Description The Taoist immortal Bukan (Ch. Fenggan [Feng Kan) was known for riding his tiger around his monastery to shock others. Here, he is shown atop his tiger at the right side of the tsuba. Only the front of the tiger and Bukan's torso can be seen. Bukan's ability to tame the tiger represents the power of his knowledge. On the reverse is a waterfall.

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

Inscriptions [Signature] Otsuryûken

Credit Acquired by Henry Walters

Download Images Add to Collection Creative Commons License

Creator

Hamano Shôzui (Japanese, 1696-1769) (Artist)

Period

1696-1769 (Edo)

Medium

copper alloy, shibuichi, gold, copper, shakudo (?)
(Arms & Armor)

Accession Number

51.296

Measurements

2 13/16 x 2 5/8 x 1/4 in. (7.1 x 6.6 x 0.56 cm)

Geographies

Edo (present-day Tokyo, Japan) (Place of Origin)

Location Within Museum

Not On View