Pseudo Sword Guard (Tsuba): Rat and Daikoku’s Mallet
Pseudo Sword Guard (Tsuba): Rat and Daikoku’s Mallet
Artist
Shibata Zeshin
(Japanese, 1807-1891)
Date1875-1890, Edo Period (1600-1868)
Dimensions3 1/8 × 2 3/4 in. (7.9 × 7 cm)
Mediumincised black lacquer
ClassificationMetalwork
Credit LineGift of Edward Drummond Libbey
Object number
1912.789
Not on View
DescriptionIn the shape of a laquer sword-guard decorated with mouse and Daikoku's mallet.
Label TextMade 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.
![[Meiji Period Woodcut Album]](/internal/media/dispatcher/66935/thumbnail)
19th-20th century
Sadamoto
about 1835, Edo Period (1600-1868)
Tomotsune of the Nakai Family
1680-1700, Edo Period (1600-1868)
early 20th century
19th century
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