Tsuba with design of burrowing ants and worms

Tsuchiya Yasuchika (Japanese, 1670–1744)

Nara School (Japanese)

early to mid-19th century (?)

Medium/TechniqueMain material: gilt metal; surface treatment: nekogaki; other metals: shakudo and copper; decorative technique: iroe

DimensionsOverall: 5.1 x 3.5 x 0.5 cm (2 x 1 3/8 x 3/16 in.)

Credit LineWilliam Sturgis Bigelow Collection

Accession number11.24064a

On View

Not on view

ClassificationsArms and armor

Collections

Asia

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.