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Tsuba with design of burrowing ants and worms
Japanese
Edo period
early to mid-19th century (?)
Medium/Technique
Main material: gilt metal; surface treatment: nekogaki; other metals: shakudo and copper; decorative technique: iroe
Dimensions
Overall: 5.1 x 3.5 x 0.5 cm (2 x 1 3/8 x 3/16 in.)
Credit Line
William Sturgis Bigelow Collection
Accession Number11.24064b
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAsia
ClassificationsArms and armor
Signed
Aru hito no motome ni ojite Nara Yasuchika sei [Nara Yasuchika made this to someone's order]
應或人需奈良安親製
應或人需奈良安親製
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.
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.