Tsuba with Gingko Leaf, Plum Blossom and Chrysanthemum

Description On the front of this tsuba, a plum blossom decorates the upper right. At the bottom is a gingko leaf. A chrysanthemum flower surrounds the central opening for the sword blade. On the reverse is the branch of a Japanese pepper tree with sanshô nuts.

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

Inscriptions [Signature] Yamashiro (no) kuni Nishijin jû/Umetada Myôju [saku?] (kao); Translation] Living in Nishijin, Yamashiro province/ Made by (?) Umetada Myôju

Credit Acquired by Henry Walters