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Tsuba in the form of three conch shells

early to mid-18th century
Medium/TechniqueMain material: iron; decorative technique: marubori, sukashibori
DimensionsOverall: 9.3 x 9.1 x 0.7 cm (3 11/16 x 3 9/16 x 1/4 in.)
Credit LineWilliam Sturgis Bigelow Collection
Accession number11.12184
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.
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