Tsuba with a Chinese Lion on Rocks under Peonies

Description A small Chinese-style lion ("shishi") on a rock occupies the lower right of the tsuba. Along the right and bottom are peony flowers, which are often used in conjunction with Chinese subjects. This small tsuba was designed for use with a dagger or other short sword. Because of its small size, the auxiliary hole on the left precludes any decoration on that side. On the reverse, a waterfall is shown with the stream continuing along the bottom edge.

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

Inscriptions [Signature] 後藤光正; [Translation] Goto Mitsumasa

Credit Acquired by Henry Walters