Tsuba with Cranes

Description Surrounding the central openings of this tsuba are twenty three cranes carved in silver, gold, copper, and a mixed metal alloy called shakudo. Cranes are symbols of longevity and frequently appear in a celebratory context. The reverse of the tsuba has twenty cranes in a similar configuration.

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

Inscriptions [Signature] 廉乗作　光晃; [Translation] Kenjo saku/Mitsuaki (kao)

Credit Acquired by Henry Walters