Tsuba with a Dragonfly

Description The body of a dragonfly is at the upper right of the tsuba. The wing's on the dragonfly's right extend over the top and appear on the reverse. The tail runs along the right edge. 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.

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

Inscriptions none

Credit Acquired by Henry Walters