Tsuba with Chinese Characters ("Kanji")

Description On the right side of the tsuba, above the hole for the kozuka, is the raised character "raku" (enjoyment). Below it is a gold branch with flowers. Incised into the background is the handle of a hoe. The head of the hoe is formed by the opening on the left for the kozuka. On the reverse of the tsuba, the large figures in the center are a stylized version of the character "takara" (treasure). This is part of a mounted set.

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

Inscriptions [Signature] 寿山; [Translation] Juzan (kao)

Credit Acquired by Henry Walters