Tsuka with Phoenix and Paulownia

Description Three "hô-ô" birds, which are visually similar to the phoenix of Western mythology, appear on this tsuka. Each menuki is in the shape of a "hô-ô" on the branch of a paulownia tree and the kashira is also decorated with a gold "hô-ô." "Hô-ô" are associated with good rulers and considered an auspicious sign. This is part of a mounted set.

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

Inscriptions none

Credit Acquired by Henry Walters