Tsuba with Stone Lanterns

Description This tsuba is made in the shape of three stone lanterns. The large, central lantern contains the opening for the sword. In the smaller lantern on the left is the opening for the utility knife. The surface is covered in a subtle stippling pattern. Lanterns in this style are often found in Japanese gardens or on the grounds of Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. At religious institutions, the lanterns have usually been donated by a patron and are inscribed with his or her name.

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

Inscriptions [Signature] 玄松斎　政春; [Translation] Genshosai Masaharu

Credit Acquired by Henry Walters