Skip to main content

Tsuba with design of paulownia crest

Late 17th–early 18th century (?)
Medium/TechniqueMain material: iron; decorative technique: forging and engraving
DimensionsOverall: 9.1 x 8.8 x 0.5 cm (3 9/16 x 3 7/16 x 3/16 in.)
Credit LineWilliam Sturgis Bigelow Collection
Accession number11.11964
On View
Not on view
ClassificationsArms and armor
Collections
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.
Tsuba with design of paulownia crest
Kutsuwanaoshi School
early to mid-17th century
Tsuba in the form of a gourd and tendrils
Satsuma School, Oda Sub-school
Late 18th–early 19th century
Tsuba with design of four characters
Katchushi School
mid-late 17th century
Tsuba with design of radish
Yamakichibei School
17th century
Tsuba with design of toys
Myochin School
Late 17th century
Tsuba with abstract designs
Shoami School
Late 17th–18th century
Tsuba with floral designs
Myochin School
18th century
Tsuba in the form of a kontengi astrolabe with a moving central section
Myochin School
Late 18th–early 19th century (?)