Pseudo Sword Guard (Tsuba): Rat and Daikoku’s Mallet
Artist: Shibata Zeshin (Japanese, 1807-1891)
Date: 1875-1890, Edo Period (1600-1868)
Dimensions:
3 1/8 × 2 3/4 in. (7.9 × 7 cm)
Medium: incised black lacquer
Classification: Metalwork
Credit Line: Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey
Object number: 1912.789
Label Text:Made of layers of black lacquer over leather, this object resembles a sword guard (tsuba), but its materials are too fragile for such a function. Instead, it may have served as a toggle called a netsuke that attached a small container to the sash of a man’s kimono (see netsuke in the drawers of this case and in the case behind you). The masterfully incised rat symbolizes the first year of the Japanese calendar cycle, while the mallet refers to Daikoku, Japanese god of good fortune. The symbolism indicates this pseudo-tsuba was likely intended as a New Year’s gift.
DescriptionIn the shape of a laquer sword-guard decorated with mouse and Daikoku's mallet.
Not on view
In Collection(s)