Tsuba with a Spiny Lobster

Description This tsuba is formed by the body and antennae of a spiny lobster. The trunk of the lobster is in the right half of the tsuba. Its long antennae form the left and the hole for the utility life. Lobster are a sign of respect for old age because of their doubled over body.

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

Inscriptions [Signature] Inscribed: 坦善堂鉄斎; [Translation] Tanzendo Tessai.

Credit Acquired by Henry Walters