Tsuba with a Lotus Pond

Description This tsuba depicts a lotus pond with lotus flowers blossoming. The plants are depicted in gold and silver relief. On the back of the tsuba, a water bug skims the water between the lotus. The lotus is associated with Buddha and a state of purity. The construction of this tsuba is unusual. The front is made of a copper and gold alloy called shakudo, while the back is silver. They have been fused together, creating a wavy pattern along the tsuba's edge.

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

Inscriptions [Signature] 後藤法橋　一乗; [Translation] Goto Hokkyo/Ichijo (kao)

Credit Acquired by Henry Walters