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Tsuba with design of carp leaping up a waterfall

(Japanese, 1828–1898)
(Japanese, 18th–20th centuries)
1867
Medium/TechniqueMain material: iron; other metals: gold and shakudô; decorative technique: chiseling, engraving, and inlay
DimensionsOverall: 7.9 x 7.3 x 0.4 cm
Credit LineWilliam Sturgis Bigelow Collection
Accession number11.11943
On View
Not on view
ClassificationsArms and armor
Collections
InscriptionsRyûtôun kanyû [the dragon rises into the clouds and boldly frolics] 飛騰雲漢遊
ProvenanceBy 1911, purchased by William Sturgis Bigelow (b. 1850 - d. 1926), Boston [see note 1]; 1911, gift of Bigelow to the MFA. (Accession Date: August 3, 1911)

NOTES:
[1] Much of Bigelow's collection of Asian art was formed during his residence in Japan between 1882 and 1889, although he also made acquisitions in Europe and the United States. Bigelow deposited many of these objects at the MFA in 1890 before donating them to the Museum's collection at later dates.