Description
The handle of this umabari is designed in the shape of a waterfall with crashing water at the bottom. Umabari were carried in place of kogai in Higo province (modern-day Kumamoto). They were used to stimulate horses. This umabari is stored in the hilt along the bottom edge, rather than on the side as is usual. This is part of a mounted set.
Provenance
Henry Walters, Baltimore [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.
Inscriptions
[Transcription] On fuchi: Meiji san kogo moshun O Izaka Sadayuki kun ju,; [Transcription] Mito ju Hagiya Katsuhira; [Transcription] On opposite fuchi: Oite wakoku shikoku kore, Seiyo no Shishi shajitsu; [Translation] This was carved in Japan, a true image of a western lion; [Translation] 1870 mid spring, By request of Mr. Izaka Sadayuki; Hagiya Katsuhira living in Mito
Credit
Acquired by Henry Walters
