Sword guard (Tsuba) Depicting Comical Character Hyottoko (火男図鐔)

17th century

Not on view

The obverse of this tsuba shows the relief of a Hyottoko mask and a broken fan and the reverse a closed fan. Hyotokko is a clown-like Japanese stock character which is potrayed through the use of a mask. He is depicted on this tsuba in the traditional way, i.e. with asymmetrical eyes and wearing a scarf around his head.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Title: Sword guard (Tsuba) Depicting Comical Character Hyottoko (火男図鐔)
Date: 17th century
Culture: Japanese
Medium: Iron, copper, gold
Dimensions: H. 2 7/8 in. (7.3 cm); W. 2 1/2 in. (6.4 cm); thickness 1/4 in. (0.6 cm); Wt. 3.1 oz. (87.9 g)
Classification: Sword Furniture-Tsuba
Credit Line: Edward C. Moore Collection, Bequest of Edward C. Moore, 1891
Object Number: 91.1.818
Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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