Tsuba with a Heron Perched on a Boat under a Full Moon

Description An unusually designed full moon with gold gilding is depicted at the upper left of this tsuba. At the lower right, a heron stands on the prow of a boat among reeds. This boat is probably moored. On the reverse of the tsuba the moon appears without gilding at the upper right. Below it are more reeds and a pier. Reeds and the full moon are associated with autumn.

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

Inscriptions [Signature] Shuhosai/Shôzui

Credit Acquired by Henry Walters