Tsuba with a Chinese Lion on Rocks under Peonies
(Japanese Military Armor)
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.
Inscription
Provenance
Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object. Learn more about provenance at the Walters.
Henry Walters, Baltimore [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.
Geographies
Japan, Tokyo (Edo)
(Place of Origin)
Japan, Kyoto (Place of Origin)
Measurements
2 1/4 x 1 3/4 x 3/16 in. (5.7 x 4.4 x 0.47 cm)
Credit Line
Acquired by Henry Walters
Location in Museum
Not on view
Accession Number
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
51.289