Tsuba In The Walters Art Museum

This tsuba shows two herons near a stream and reeds. On the front, a heron is airborne at the upper left, above the secondary hole. The second heron is at the lower right, below the other secondary hole. A stre More

This tsuba shows two herons near a stream and reeds. On the front, a heron is airborne at the upper left, above the secondary hole. The second heron is at the lower right, below the other secondary hole. A stre More

This tsuba shows two herons near a stream and reeds. On the front, a heron is airborne at the upper left, above the secondary hole. The second heron is at the lower right, below the other secondary hole. A stre More

Grasses wrap around the central opening of this narrow tsuba. Two fireflies are carved along the edge, one at the upper right and one at the lower left. The lower firefly's wings are slightly open. In folk tale More

Grasses wrap around the central opening of this narrow tsuba. Two fireflies are carved along the edge, one at the upper right and one at the lower left. The lower firefly's wings are slightly open. In folk tale More

Grasses wrap around the central opening of this narrow tsuba. Two fireflies are carved along the edge, one at the upper right and one at the lower left. The lower firefly's wings are slightly open. In folk tale More

The figure of this horse was cleverly created by cutting away the metal of the tsuba. One of the characters in the artist's name is "horse."

The figure of this horse was cleverly created by cutting away the metal of the tsuba. One of the characters in the artist's name is "horse."

The figure of this horse was cleverly created by cutting away the metal of the tsuba. One of the characters in the artist's name is "horse."

The open work design on this tsuba is of pampas grass. At the bottom, beneath the central opening, is a cricket. At the upper right is a moth.

The open work design on this tsuba is of pampas grass. At the bottom, beneath the central opening, is a cricket. At the upper right is a moth.

The Chinese zodiac, which is also used in Japan, assigns an animal to each year. There are twelve animals in total, six of which are depicted on this tsuba. The other six animals were probably used to decorate More

The Chinese zodiac, which is also used in Japan, assigns an animal to each year. There are twelve animals in total, six of which are depicted on this tsuba. The other six animals were probably used to decorate More

The Chinese zodiac, which is also used in Japan, assigns an animal to each year. There are twelve animals in total, six of which are depicted on this tsuba. The other six animals were probably used to decorate More

On either side of the tsuba, a dragon is shown entwined with clouds. Dragons are associated with water and often depicted with clouds or waves. This is part of a mounted set.

On either side of the tsuba, a dragon is shown entwined with clouds. Dragons are associated with water and often depicted with clouds or waves. This is part of a mounted set.

The curved lines on this tsuba represent a stylized stream, upon which float flowers symbolizing the seasons. Cherry blossoms on the left and lower right are associated with spring time. The magnolia on the bot More

The curved lines on this tsuba represent a stylized stream, upon which float flowers symbolizing the seasons. Cherry blossoms on the left and lower right are associated with spring time. The magnolia on the bot More

The curved lines on this tsuba represent a stylized stream, upon which float flowers symbolizing the seasons. Cherry blossoms on the left and lower right are associated with spring time. The magnolia on the bot More

The four flowers depicted on this tsuba are known as the Four Gentlemen. The theme came to Japan from China. Each flower represents a different season. On the front, bamboo represents summer and plum represents More

The four flowers depicted on this tsuba are known as the Four Gentlemen. The theme came to Japan from China. Each flower represents a different season. On the front, bamboo represents summer and plum represents More

The four flowers depicted on this tsuba are known as the Four Gentlemen. The theme came to Japan from China. Each flower represents a different season. On the front, bamboo represents summer and plum represents More

Along the right side of the tsuba, a series of boats are tied together creating a bridge known as a "funabashi" (lit. boat bridge). A pine tree at the bottom indicates the shore. On the reverse, pine trees are More

Along the right side of the tsuba, a series of boats are tied together creating a bridge known as a "funabashi" (lit. boat bridge). A pine tree at the bottom indicates the shore. On the reverse, pine trees are More

Along the right side of the tsuba, a series of boats are tied together creating a bridge known as a "funabashi" (lit. boat bridge). A pine tree at the bottom indicates the shore. On the reverse, pine trees are More

Surrounding the central openings of this tsuba are twenty three cranes carved in silver, gold, copper, and a mixed metal alloy called shakudo. Cranes are symbols of longevity and frequently appear in a celebrat More

Surrounding the central openings of this tsuba are twenty three cranes carved in silver, gold, copper, and a mixed metal alloy called shakudo. Cranes are symbols of longevity and frequently appear in a celebrat More

Surrounding the central openings of this tsuba are twenty three cranes carved in silver, gold, copper, and a mixed metal alloy called shakudo. Cranes are symbols of longevity and frequently appear in a celebrat More

This tsuba depicts a lotus pond with lotus flowers blossoming. The plants are depicted in gold and silver relief. On the back of the tsuba, a water bug skims the water between the lotus. The lotus is associated More

This tsuba depicts a lotus pond with lotus flowers blossoming. The plants are depicted in gold and silver relief. On the back of the tsuba, a water bug skims the water between the lotus. The lotus is associated More

This tsuba depicts a lotus pond with lotus flowers blossoming. The plants are depicted in gold and silver relief. On the back of the tsuba, a water bug skims the water between the lotus. The lotus is associated More

The dominant figures on this tsuba are two banana trees shown along the right side. At their bases is a rock. Along the upper most leave is a snail, who appears to be looking down over the edge of the leaf. On More

The dominant figures on this tsuba are two banana trees shown along the right side. At their bases is a rock. Along the upper most leave is a snail, who appears to be looking down over the edge of the leaf. On More

The dominant figures on this tsuba are two banana trees shown along the right side. At their bases is a rock. Along the upper most leave is a snail, who appears to be looking down over the edge of the leaf. On More

The dominant figures on this tsuba are two banana trees shown along the right side. At their bases is a rock. Along the upper most leave is a snail, who appears to be looking down over the edge of the leaf. On More

On the front of this tsuba, chrysanthemums made of variously colored metals are shown sheltered by a bamboo umbrella. On the reverse, a copper snail is shown crawling up a stalk of bamboo in the upper left. Chr More

On the front of this tsuba, chrysanthemums made of variously colored metals are shown sheltered by a bamboo umbrella. On the reverse, a copper snail is shown crawling up a stalk of bamboo in the upper left. Chr More

On the front of this tsuba, chrysanthemums made of variously colored metals are shown sheltered by a bamboo umbrella. On the reverse, a copper snail is shown crawling up a stalk of bamboo in the upper left. Chr More

On the front of the tsuba, a crane stands on gold pine leaves looking up towards clouds. The crane is a symbol of longevity and is considered a felicitous motif. On the reverse is a blossoming cherry tree.

On the front of the tsuba, a crane stands on gold pine leaves looking up towards clouds. The crane is a symbol of longevity and is considered a felicitous motif. On the reverse is a blossoming cherry tree.

On the front of the tsuba, a crane stands on gold pine leaves looking up towards clouds. The crane is a symbol of longevity and is considered a felicitous motif. On the reverse is a blossoming cherry tree.

A small Chinese-style lion ("shishi") on a rock occupies the lower right of the tsuba. Along the right and bottom are peony flowers, which are often used in conjunction with Chinese subjects. This small tsuba w More

A small Chinese-style lion ("shishi") on a rock occupies the lower right of the tsuba. Along the right and bottom are peony flowers, which are often used in conjunction with Chinese subjects. This small tsuba w More

A small Chinese-style lion ("shishi") on a rock occupies the lower right of the tsuba. Along the right and bottom are peony flowers, which are often used in conjunction with Chinese subjects. This small tsuba w More

This small tsuba is decorated with clams, mussels and conchs. On both sides, a conch in its shell is depicted at the lower right of the tsuba. On the front, a clam and mussel are to the left of the conch. Anoth More

This small tsuba is decorated with clams, mussels and conchs. On both sides, a conch in its shell is depicted at the lower right of the tsuba. On the front, a clam and mussel are to the left of the conch. Anoth More

This small tsuba is decorated with clams, mussels and conchs. On both sides, a conch in its shell is depicted at the lower right of the tsuba. On the front, a clam and mussel are to the left of the conch. Anoth More

Along the top edge of tsuba is a mythical hô-ô bird, which is similar to the phoenix. Below it along the bottom edge are paulownia flowers and leaves. Hô-ô and paulownia are both auspicious. This is part of a m More

Along the top edge of tsuba is a mythical hô-ô bird, which is similar to the phoenix. Below it along the bottom edge are paulownia flowers and leaves. Hô-ô and paulownia are both auspicious. This is part of a m More

Along the top edge of tsuba is a mythical hô-ô bird, which is similar to the phoenix. Below it along the bottom edge are paulownia flowers and leaves. Hô-ô and paulownia are both auspicious. This is part of a m More

The three men seated along the bottom of this tsuba are dressed in the style worn by the classical Heian period court (794-1192). The attributes on the reverse side of the tsuba suggest that they are poets. Tho More

The three men seated along the bottom of this tsuba are dressed in the style worn by the classical Heian period court (794-1192). The attributes on the reverse side of the tsuba suggest that they are poets. Tho More

The three men seated along the bottom of this tsuba are dressed in the style worn by the classical Heian period court (794-1192). The attributes on the reverse side of the tsuba suggest that they are poets. Tho More

A crow and a heron are perched on a pine branch at the lower right side of this tsuba. The heron is made of silver, and the crow is made of a copper alloy. The silver of the heron would have originally been whi More

A crow and a heron are perched on a pine branch at the lower right side of this tsuba. The heron is made of silver, and the crow is made of a copper alloy. The silver of the heron would have originally been whi More

A crow and a heron are perched on a pine branch at the lower right side of this tsuba. The heron is made of silver, and the crow is made of a copper alloy. The silver of the heron would have originally been whi More

A peacock perches on a rock at the left with his long tail feathers trailing below him. At the lower left is a peahen. Near both birds and on the reverse are tree peonies. This is part of a mounted set.

A peacock perches on a rock at the left with his long tail feathers trailing below him. At the lower left is a peahen. Near both birds and on the reverse are tree peonies. This is part of a mounted set.

A peacock perches on a rock at the left with his long tail feathers trailing below him. At the lower left is a peahen. Near both birds and on the reverse are tree peonies. This is part of a mounted set.

This tsuba shows the moon with seasonal flowers. Beneath a full moon on the front are golden lace (ominaeshi) and bush clover (hagi). On the back, pampas grass (susuki) and dianthus (nadeshiko) are depicted ben More

This tsuba shows the moon with seasonal flowers. Beneath a full moon on the front are golden lace (ominaeshi) and bush clover (hagi). On the back, pampas grass (susuki) and dianthus (nadeshiko) are depicted ben More

This tsuba shows the moon with seasonal flowers. Beneath a full moon on the front are golden lace (ominaeshi) and bush clover (hagi). On the back, pampas grass (susuki) and dianthus (nadeshiko) are depicted ben More

Autumns flowers fill the lower right side of this tsuba. The flowers are Chinese bell flowers and chrysanthemums. Above, a faint moon is revealed among the clouds. On the reverse, a full moon shines over maiden flowers.

Autumns flowers fill the lower right side of this tsuba. The flowers are Chinese bell flowers and chrysanthemums. Above, a faint moon is revealed among the clouds. On the reverse, a full moon shines over maiden flowers.

The body of this tsuba is designed with a wood grain texutre made of multiple metals. At the upper right, a hawk is perched on a branch looking down. Below the hawk at the lower left is a sparrow. On the revers More

The body of this tsuba is designed with a wood grain texutre made of multiple metals. At the upper right, a hawk is perched on a branch looking down. Below the hawk at the lower left is a sparrow. On the revers More

The body of this tsuba is designed with a wood grain texutre made of multiple metals. At the upper right, a hawk is perched on a branch looking down. Below the hawk at the lower left is a sparrow. On the revers More

The mounted figure along the right edge of this tsuba is 2nd century Chinese general Kanyu (Ch. Guan Yu [Kuan Yu). Stories of his activities during the Three Kingdoms period are told in the 14th century novel " More

The mounted figure along the right edge of this tsuba is 2nd century Chinese general Kanyu (Ch. Guan Yu [Kuan Yu). Stories of his activities during the Three Kingdoms period are told in the 14th century novel " More

The mounted figure along the right edge of this tsuba is 2nd century Chinese general Kanyu (Ch. Guan Yu [Kuan Yu). Stories of his activities during the Three Kingdoms period are told in the 14th century novel " More

The face of a Chinese immortal appears at the lower right of this tsuba. He wears a cloth covering on his head and carries a fly whisk. The background of the tsuba is iron with a wood grain appearance. The body More

The face of a Chinese immortal appears at the lower right of this tsuba. He wears a cloth covering on his head and carries a fly whisk. The background of the tsuba is iron with a wood grain appearance. The body More

The face of a Chinese immortal appears at the lower right of this tsuba. He wears a cloth covering on his head and carries a fly whisk. The background of the tsuba is iron with a wood grain appearance. The body More

The face of a Chinese immortal appears at the lower right of this tsuba. He wears a cloth covering on his head and carries a fly whisk. The background of the tsuba is iron with a wood grain appearance. The body More

The Chinese Three Kingdoms general Soso (Ch. Tsao Tsao) is shown on his boat crossing the Yangtze River. Under a full moon, he stood before his soldiers with a spear in his hands and declared that they would be More

The Chinese Three Kingdoms general Soso (Ch. Tsao Tsao) is shown on his boat crossing the Yangtze River. Under a full moon, he stood before his soldiers with a spear in his hands and declared that they would be More

The Chinese Three Kingdoms general Soso (Ch. Tsao Tsao) is shown on his boat crossing the Yangtze River. Under a full moon, he stood before his soldiers with a spear in his hands and declared that they would be More

On the front of this tsuba is a basket of sea food, including a spiny lobster and a sea bream. Both of these fish are considered celebratory and often eaten as part of New Year celebrations. The basket also con More

On the front of this tsuba is a basket of sea food, including a spiny lobster and a sea bream. Both of these fish are considered celebratory and often eaten as part of New Year celebrations. The basket also con More

On the front of this tsuba is a basket of sea food, including a spiny lobster and a sea bream. Both of these fish are considered celebratory and often eaten as part of New Year celebrations. The basket also con More

The body of this tsuba was created using three types of metal. The upper section is made of an alloy of tin and zinc, known as "sentoku." The middle section is primarily copper and the bottom section is "shakud More

The body of this tsuba was created using three types of metal. The upper section is made of an alloy of tin and zinc, known as "sentoku." The middle section is primarily copper and the bottom section is "shakud More

The body of this tsuba was created using three types of metal. The upper section is made of an alloy of tin and zinc, known as "sentoku." The middle section is primarily copper and the bottom section is "shakud More

At the top of this tsuba, a bat flies through the night sky. A new moon is in on the right. A second bat is at the lower right. On the reverse, incised lines at the lower left indicate water. Bats are a symbol More

At the top of this tsuba, a bat flies through the night sky. A new moon is in on the right. A second bat is at the lower right. On the reverse, incised lines at the lower left indicate water. Bats are a symbol More

At the top of this tsuba, a bat flies through the night sky. A new moon is in on the right. A second bat is at the lower right. On the reverse, incised lines at the lower left indicate water. Bats are a symbol More

On the front of this tsuba is one of the paired guardians ("ni-ô") who guard the main south gate at Buddhist temples in Japan. At the bottom, the top of the fence that typically surrounds the gods can be seen. More

On the front of this tsuba is one of the paired guardians ("ni-ô") who guard the main south gate at Buddhist temples in Japan. At the bottom, the top of the fence that typically surrounds the gods can be seen. More

On the front of this tsuba is one of the paired guardians ("ni-ô") who guard the main south gate at Buddhist temples in Japan. At the bottom, the top of the fence that typically surrounds the gods can be seen. More

An unusually designed full moon with gold gilding is depicted at the upper left of this tsuba. At the lower right, a heron stands on the prow of a boat among reeds. This boat is probably moored. On the reverse More

An unusually designed full moon with gold gilding is depicted at the upper left of this tsuba. At the lower right, a heron stands on the prow of a boat among reeds. This boat is probably moored. On the reverse More

An unusually designed full moon with gold gilding is depicted at the upper left of this tsuba. At the lower right, a heron stands on the prow of a boat among reeds. This boat is probably moored. On the reverse More

The body of a snake curves around the edge of this tsuba on the right. The snake is depicted wrapping its body around a rotting tree trunk. The head and tail can be seen on the front, while the middle section o More

The body of a snake curves around the edge of this tsuba on the right. The snake is depicted wrapping its body around a rotting tree trunk. The head and tail can be seen on the front, while the middle section o More

The body of a snake curves around the edge of this tsuba on the right. The snake is depicted wrapping its body around a rotting tree trunk. The head and tail can be seen on the front, while the middle section o More

The body of a snake curves around the edge of this tsuba on the right. The snake is depicted wrapping its body around a rotting tree trunk. The head and tail can be seen on the front, while the middle section o More

Across the top of this tsuba, an openwork area forms clouds, with the moon on the left. On the right, an owl sits on a stone garden lantern under a tree. Bamboo and other plants surround the owl. On the reverse More

Across the top of this tsuba, an openwork area forms clouds, with the moon on the left. On the right, an owl sits on a stone garden lantern under a tree. Bamboo and other plants surround the owl. On the reverse More

Across the top of this tsuba, an openwork area forms clouds, with the moon on the left. On the right, an owl sits on a stone garden lantern under a tree. Bamboo and other plants surround the owl. On the reverse More

The front of this tsuba shows two geese in water among reeds. One goose is at the right, while is second is hidden among reeds on the lower left. On the back, a full moon can be seen through the clouds. These a More