Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Tsuba Four Lobes and Cross Shaped Pattern
(Japanese Military Armor)
The four lobes of the tsuba are emphasized by the four gold sections radiating from the center. An incised floral motif decorates the background. If this cross pattern is intentionally reminiscent of the Christian cross, the sword fittings were likely made by or for someone living in southern Japan. Most Japanese Christians converted by missionaries in the 16th century lived on Kyushu and other southern areas of Japan. This is part of a mounted set.
Inscription
Provenance
Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object. Learn more about provenance at the Walters.
William T. / Henry Walters Collection, Baltimore [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.
Geographies
Japan (Place of Origin)
Measurements
H: 3 1/16 x W: 2 15/16 x D: 3/16 in. (7.8 x 7.4 x 0.5 cm)
Credit Line
Acquired by William T. or Henry Walters
Accession Number
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
51.1189.2