Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Tsuba with Cranes Flying over Waves
mid-19th century (late Edo)
shibuichi (silver-copper alloy), gold, silver
(Japanese Military Armor)
(Japanese Military Armor)
Seven cranes executed in two types of gold alloy fly over waves on the face of this tsuba. On the reverse, four more cranes join them in flight. Incised clouds surround the central opening. Cranes are traditional symbols of longevity and good fortune. The dense design of this tsuba is typical of the Bushû school. The hole for the hair pick (kôgai) has been plugged in a different metal.
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.
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.
Henry Walters, Baltimore [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.
Measurements
H: 2 5/8 × W: 2 3/8 × D: 3/16 in. (6.6 × 6 × 0.5 cm)
Credit Line
Acquired by Henry Walters
Location in Museum
Not on view
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.
51.92