鍔 tsuba (sword guard) with lobster

Tsu Jinpo, artist

1720–1761

鍔 tsuba (sword guard) with lobster, Edo period (1600–1868)

Where object was made: Japan

Material/technique: gold inlay; iron; piercing

Credit line: William Bridges Thayer Memorial

Accession number: 1928.2287

On display: Loo Gallery

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Archive Label 2003:

Nanako is a pattern of small granulations used to decorate metal surfaces. The nanako ground on this sword guard provides a grainy bed for the primary decoration, a gilded lobster in high relief. The lobster (ebi) in Japan is an auspicious symbol of longevity and good fortune. The carrier of the sword with this guard would have welcomed this symbolism.