Kozuka with Dragonfly

Description A gilded dragonfly fills the right side of the kozuka. Dragonflies are a symbol of autumn. There is also an ancient tradition of calling Japan "Dragonfly Island" because the legendary first emperor, Jimmu, thought that when viewed from the top of a mountain the islands had the shape of a dragonfly. The kozuka has a hole for a cord at the right.

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

Inscriptions none

Credit Acquired by Henry Walters