tsuba (sword guard), unknown maker from Japan

Artwork Overview

tsuba (sword guard)
tsuba (sword guard)
tsuba (sword guard)
date unknown
tsuba (sword guard) , date unknown
Where object was made: Japan
Material/technique: gold; iron
Credit line: William Bridges Thayer Memorial
Accession number: 1928.2394
Not on display
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Label texts

Archive Label 2003:
This simple image of a small frog perched atop a lotus blossom presents a visual pun. The upturned blossom resembles a jingasa, a type of helmet worn by samurai of lower rank. The word “frog” in Japanese sounds the same as the word “return”. The image of the frog conveyed the hope that the warrior would return safely from battle.