Japanese - Tsuka with Catfish Menuki - Walters 5111453B
Summary
This hilt is wrapped with baleen. On either side are menuki depicting a catfish and a gourd. The catfish are a reference to a Zen riddle questioning how one can capture a catfish with a gourd. The kashira at the end repeats same stylized gold waves used on the tsuba. This is part of a mounted set.
Tags
Date
1850
Source
Walters Art Museum
Copyright info
public domain