Tsuka with Fox and Trees

Description The kashira on the end of the tsuka depicts a fox holding a flaming jewel. Foxes were believed to be magical creatures and the jewels were a source of their power. The menuki are in the shape of cryptomeria trees. One menuki has a small torii shrine gate behind the tree. This is part of a mounted set.

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

Inscriptions none

Credit Acquired by William T. or Henry Walters