Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Kozuka with Rats imitating a Daimyo Procession
(Japanese Military Armor)
The rats on this kozuka are dressed like samurai of the Edo period. On the front, one rat leads another who is carrying a ceremonial pole used to indicate the presence of a high-ranking person such as a daimyo. At the right is a third rat. The procession continues on the reverse, with an incised scene of many rats surrounding a palanquin. Daimyo processions were common between Edo and the regional capitals of Japan being in the early 17th century. Daimyo warlords were required to live in Edo alternating with periods of residence in their home prefecture. They moved between their two homes in large processions attended by many warriors.
Inscription
Provenance
Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object. Learn more about provenance at the Walters.
Henry Walters, Baltimore [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.
Geographies
Japan (Place of Origin)
Measurements
3 7/8 in. (9.8 cm) (l.)
Credit Line
Acquired by Henry Walters
Location in Museum
Not on view
Accession Number
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
51.806