Tsuba
Artist
Wada Isshin
(Japanese, 1814 - 1882)
DateEdo period (1615-1868)
MediumIron, gold, brass, and silver
DimensionsOverall: 2 5/8 × 2 7/16 × 1/8 inches (6.67 × 6.19 × 0.32 cm)
Credit LineGift of Shirley Bush Helzberg
Object number2010.22.5
Signedsigned on the right of the rear side
InscribedA poem is inscribed on both sides.
On View
Not on viewCollections
DescriptionThe tsuba has an elongated silhouette of four lubes that resemble quatrefoils. The edges are slightly raised. Two elliptical opens, called hitsuana in Japanese, flank the central blade open. These hitsuana would have allowed the skewers (kogai in Japanese) to lie against the handle. On the front side, a poem is inscribed on top. On the lower part are three water birds bathing on the incised water waves. The bird in the middle is inlaid in gold, and the other two in silver. Brass inlaid sparkles spread along the waves, suggesting reeds or reflection of light on the water. On the reverse side, the poem continues on top and Wada Isshin signs on the right. Likewise, two water birds, one in gold inlay and the other in silver, swim on wavy water. Sparkling brass dots spread over the waves.
Information about a particular artwork or image, including provenance information,
is based upon historic information and may not be currently accurate or complete.
Research on artwork and images is an ongoing process, and the information about a
particular artwork or image may not reflect the most current information available to the Museum.
If you notice a mistake or have additional information about a particular artwork or image,
please e-mail provenance@nelson-atkins.org.
