Tsuba with Sea Creatures: Eel, Flying Fish, Spiny Lobster, and Octopus
(Japanese Military Armor)
Various sea creatures crafted in different metal alloys are depicted on this tsuba. Along the upper right edge is a spiny lobster, which is often used as a symbol of longevity. At the lower right is a flying fish. An octopus occupies the lower left. On the reverse are an eel and another fish along the lower 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.
Henry Walters, Baltimore [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.
Geographies
Japan (Place of Origin)
Measurements
2 1/2 x 2 1/4 x 3/16 in. (6.33 x 5.69 x 0.55 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.
51.285