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Related
Japanese - Tsuba with Kamatari with the Jewel - Walters 51204
Japanese - Tsuba with Daruma - Walters 51213 - Back
Japanese - Tsuba with Stalks of Millet - Walters 51257 - Back
Japanese - Tsuba with Dragon and Jewel - Walters 5112202 - Back
Japanese - Tsuba with Dragon and Jewel - Walters 5112122 - Back
Japanese - Kogai with Dragon Jewel - Walters 5112844 - Back
Japanese - Kozuka with Dragon and Jewel - Walters 5112843 - Back
Japanese - Tsuba with Chrysanthemums - Walters 51283 - Back
Japanese - Tsuba with Shinnô (Ch Shen Nong) - Walters 51265 - Back
Japanese - Tsuba with Kamatari with the Jewel - Walters 51204 - Back
Summary
The man standing on the boat at the right of this tsuba is Kamatari, the founder of the powerful Fujiwara family. He was a historical figure who died in 669, but this episode is from a legend. His daughter had become the empress of China and sent a boatload of treasures, including a valuable jewel, back to Japan to be used for a temple. The Dragon King of the sea stole the jewel and hid it in his temple. Kamatari retrieved it with the help of a diver girl, who sacrificed herself to ensure the jewel was returned to Kamatari. On the tsuba, he is shown with the jewel after its return.
Tags
Date
1400 - 1800
Source
Walters Art Museum
Link
Copyright info
http://purl.org/thewalters/rights/standard