Tsuba with Amida Buddha on a Lotus Leaf

Description The figure of Amida, the Buddha of Boundless Light, stands on a lotus leaf at the left of tsuba. A lotus flower rises on the right-hand side. Another large, dying lotus leaf appears on the reverse. Amida is the compassionate Buddha and is a popular object of worship in Japan. He is often depicted on stylized lotus leaves. This tsuba is unique for showing realistic lotus plants.

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

Inscriptions [Signature] [ ] 義刻; [Transliteration] [ ]yoshi/Koku [seal]; [Translation] Engraved by [ ]yoshi

Credit Acquired by Henry Walters