Hamano Shôzui - Tsuba with a Gate Guardian at a Temple - Walters 51135
On the front of this tsuba is one of the paired guardians ("ni-ô") who guard the main south gate at Buddhist temples in Japan. At the bottom, the top of the fence that typically surrounds the gods can be seen. ... More
Hamano Shôzui - Tsuba with Hotei - Walters 51270 - Back
Hotei is one of the seven gods of good fortune, with his origins in both Taoist and Buddhist beliefs. Here, he is shown opening his bag of treasures on the right side of the tsuba. In his raised right hand is a... More
Japanese - Tsuka with Cherry Blossoms and Wrestling Gate Guardians - W...
The kashira is decorated with cherry blossoms that match the accompanying fuchi. The menuki is a playful depiction of two Buddhist temple gate guardians ("niô") arm-wrestling. This is part of a mounted set.
Hamano Shôzui - Tsuba with the Taoist Immortal Bukan and his Tiger - W...
The Taoist immortal Bukan (Ch. Fenggan [Feng Kan) was known for riding his tiger around his monastery to shock others. Here, he is shown atop his tiger at the right side of the tsuba. Only the front of the tige... More
Japanese - Incense Burner with Lotus Pond Design - Walters 52164 - Gro...
Anonymous (Japanese). 'Incense Burner with Lotus Pond Design,' 19th century. iron, copper, and gold. Walters Art Museum (52.164): Acquired by Henry Walters.
Tsutsui Yoshifusa - Tsuba with Hotei with Attendants and Treasures - W...
Standing at the right of this tsuba is Hotei, the god of happiness and one of the Seven Gods of Good Fortune. Two attendants are on the left. Hotei is usually shown with a bag of treasures. The bag is at the bo... More
Hamano Noriyuki II - Kozuka with a Temple Guardian - Walters 51818 - M...
The figure at the bottom of the kozuka is a temple guardian ("ni-ô"). These two fierce deities guard the main south gate at Buddhist temples. The one depicted here appears to the visitors left as they enter. On... More
Hamano Masanobu - Kozuka with the Buddha - Walters 51664 - Back
The figure on this kozuka bears a strong resemblance to 13th-century paintings of the historical Buddha made in both China and Japan. In these paintings, Buddha is shown coming down from a mountain after six ye... More
Japanese - Tsuba with Bishamonten - Walters 5199 - Back
In the Buddhist pantheon, Bishamonten is the chief of the four Guardian Kings who guard the cardinal directions. He protects the north and is shown holding a lance and a small pagoda. The pagoda symbolizes a tr... More
Japanese - Tsuka with Gate Guardians - Walters 5112413B
Two fierce guardian figures ("ni-ô") are placed at the main south gate to Buddhist temples. In Japan, they are called Misshaku Rikishi and Kongo Rikishi. They are differentiated by their pose. Misshaku Rikishi ... More
Kawamura Tsuneshige - Tsuba with the Bell of Dôjôji - Walters 51341 - ...
The scene depicted is from a story about the bell at the temple Dôjôji. On right are two monks with prayer beads in the act of praying. At the left, the large bell of the temple is shown fallen from its tower. ... More
Komai Workshop - Okimono of a Pagoda with Famous Scenes - Walters 5715...
Here is a five-storied pagoda which in general form is very much like the famous 7th-century one at Horyu-ji near Nara, underneath which relics of the Buddha were originally deposited. But it is a pagoda transf... More
Iwamoto Konkan - Tsuba with Marishiten - Walters 51253
Standing on a charging bull at the right side of this tsuba is the Buddhist deity Marishiten. She is known as the Queen of Heaven, despite her masculine appearance. She has three faces. Her six arms (normally e... More
Japanese - The Buddha Amida's Descent - Walters 3568
According to Japanese Buddhists of the Pure Land sect, mere faith in Amida (Amitabha), the Buddha of the western paradise, will be rewarded with rebirth there. In this painting Amida descends to greet the belie... More
Soyo - Tsuba with Marishiten and Atago Jizô - Walters 51104 - Mark B
At the top of the tsuba are seven stars from the constellation Ursa Major. The deity Marishiten was believed to reside in Ursa Major, and she is depicted in the left cartouche. Marishiten is shown standing on a... More
Sugiura Jôi - Tsuba with Fudû Myô-ô - Walters 51362 - Back
This tsuba depicts Fudô Myô-ô, the Immovable Bright King, who is shown in a cave at the right. Fudô is a deity in the Buddhist pantheon. He holds a sword in one hand and a rope in another to combat evil. His fi... More
Uchikoshi Hirotoshi - Kozuka with Fudô Myô-ô - Walters 51873 - Mark A
Fudô Myô-ô, the Immovable One, is depicted standing on a rocky cliff near a waterfall. Behind him is a mandorla of flames. Fudô Myôô is one of the five Kings of Light who protect the Buddhist faithful. His fier... More
Japanese - Incense Burner Decorated with Chinese Mythological Animals ...
Anonymous (Japanese). 'Incense Burner Decorated with Chinese Mythological Animals,' late 19th century. silver, gold, and enamels. Walters Art Museum (57.1178): Acquired by William T. or Henry Walters.
Japanese - Kozuka with Buddha - Walters 5112014 - Mark A
The figure on the kozuka is a standing Buddha. The wheel behind his head, in place of the usual aureole, probably symbolizes the wheel of the law. This might be Amida Buddha. This is part of a mounted set.
Japanese - Tsuka with Gate Guardians - Walters 5112413B - Detail A
Two fierce guardian figures ("ni-ô") are placed at the main south gate to Buddhist temples. In Japan, they are called Misshaku Rikishi and Kongo Rikishi. They are differentiated by their pose. Misshaku Rikishi ... More
Shimamura Shunmei - Seated Buddha Saka - Walters 71745 - View A
Shimamura Shunmei (Japanese, 1853-1896). 'Seated Bodhisattva Monju with Sword,' 1853-1896. ivory, gold, and silver with wooden bases. Walters Art Museum (71.694): Acquired by William T. Walters.
Hamano Shôzui - Tsuba with Hotei - Walters 51270 - Mark B
Hotei is one of the seven gods of good fortune, with his origins in both Taoist and Buddhist beliefs. Here, he is shown opening his bag of treasures on the right side of the tsuba. In his raised right hand is a... More
Japanese - Kozuka with a Pagoda in Mountains - Walters 51650
On this kozuka, a landscape view is framed by a semicircular border along the top edge. Inside the border, a pagoda can be seen among mountain cliffs. At the upper left is a moon and clouds.
Japanese - Tsuka with Cherry Blossoms and Wrestling Gate Guardians - W...
The kashira is decorated with cherry blossoms that match the accompanying fuchi. The menuki is a playful depiction of two Buddhist temple gate guardians ("niô") arm-wrestling. This is part of a mounted set.
Tamagawa Masaharu - Tsuba with a Temple Guardian Statue - Walters 5122...
The fierce figure on the right of this tsuba is one of the paired guardians ("ni-ô") who guard the main south gate at Buddhist temples in Japan. The fierce figures protect temples from evil spirits. The dove on... More
Toshihiro - Tsuba with Temple Bell and Sparrows - Walters 5112332 - Ma...
At the right of the tsuba is a temple bell surrounded by cherry blossoms. Two sparrows fly across the upper left. On the reverse, driving rain obscures the scene of a building in the background with a pine tree... More
Hamano Shôzui - Tsuba with the Taoist Immortal Bukan and his Tiger - W...
The Taoist immortal Bukan (Ch. Fenggan [Feng Kan) was known for riding his tiger around his monastery to shock others. Here, he is shown atop his tiger at the right side of the tsuba. Only the front of the tige... More
Japanese - Fuchi with Gate Guardian - Walters 5112413A
The head of a gate guardian ("ni-ô") appears on the front of the fuchi. These fierce looking figures are placed at the main south gate of the temple to protect it from evil spirits. The guardian shown here stan... More
Kikugawa Hisahide - Kashira with Fudô Myô-ô - Walters 511101
Fudô Myô-ô, the Immovable One, is depicted standing amongst rocks and bamboo. Behind him is a mandorla of flames. Fudô Myô-ô is one of the five Kings of Light who protect the Buddhist faithful. His fierce expre... More
Japanese - Fuchi with Seitaka Dôji - Walters 5112232A - Back
The figure standing on clouds is Seitaka Dôji, who is an acolyte of the deity Fudô Myô-ô. Seitaka is one of the two acolytes most often depicted accompanying Fudô and is usually shown on his right. This is part... More
Japanese - Fuchi with Seitaka Dôji - Walters 5112232A
The figure standing on clouds is Seitaka Dôji, who is an acolyte of the deity Fudô Myô-ô. Seitaka is one of the two acolytes most often depicted accompanying Fudô and is usually shown on his right. This is part... More
Japanese - Kojiri with Bukan - Walters 511134
The Chinese immortal Bukan (Ch. Fenggan [Feng Kan) is often depicted with his tiger. He was known for riding his tiger around his monastery to shock others. Bukan's ability to tame the tiger represents the powe... More
Japanese - Tsuba with Daruma - Walters 51213 - Back
The figure at the lower left of this tsuba is Daruma, the Chinese monk who founded Zen Buddhism by mediating in a cave. In his hand he holds a fly whisk executed in silver. The five characters on the left side ... More
Nakagawa Isshô - Tsuba with Temple Landscape - Walters 5112302 - Mark ...
At the right of the tsuba, temple buildings rise from the shore near pine trees. Towards the back and above the hole for the kogai stands a pagoda. Waves are in the foreground at the bottom. On the reverse, plo... More
Tsutsui Yoshifusa - Tsuba with Hotei with Attendants and Treasures - W...
Standing at the right of this tsuba is Hotei, the god of happiness and one of the Seven Gods of Good Fortune. Two attendants are on the left. Hotei is usually shown with a bag of treasures. The bag is at the bo... More
Hamano Masanobu - Kozuka with the Buddha - Walters 51664
The figure on this kozuka bears a strong resemblance to 13th-century paintings of the historical Buddha made in both China and Japan. In these paintings, Buddha is shown coming down from a mountain after six ye... More
Iwamoto Konkan - Kozuka with Daruma - Walters 51739 - Back
Daruma (Sk. Bodhidharma) was an Indian Buddhist who lived in the 6th century. He is recognized as the founder of Zen Buddhism. Legends claim that he traveled to China and Japan. Here he is shown standing on a r... More
Sesshin - Kozuka with Fudô Myô-ô - Walters 51798 - Mark A
Fudô Myô-ô, the Immovable One, is depicted standing on a rocky cliff. Behind him is a mandorla of flames. Fudô Myô-ô is one of the five Kings of Light who protect the Buddhist faithful. His fierce expression is... More
Ôtsuki Mitsushige - Kashira with Benkei - Walters 511053
The 12th-century warrior Benkei is shown holding a torch and a halberd. This is part of a set with Walters 51.1052.
Hamano Shôzui - Tsuba with the Taoist Immortal Bukan and his Tiger - W...
The Taoist immortal Bukan (Ch. Fenggan [Feng Kan) was known for riding his tiger around his monastery to shock others. Here, he is shown atop his tiger at the right side of the tsuba. Only the front of the tige... More
Japanese - Kozuka with the Monk Bukan - Walters 51710 - Back
This kozuka shows the Chinese monk Bukan (Ch. Fenggan [Feng Kan) riding his tiger beneath a pine tree. Bukan's control the tiger is interpreted as a sign of the power of the Buddhist faith.
Japanese - Temple Door with Peacocks - Walters 64176
Anonymous (Japanese). 'Temple Door with Peacocks,' 17th century. gilded and polychromed wood with brocade lining. Walters Art Museum (64.176): Acquired by Henry Walters, 1906.
Japanese - Tsuka with Cherry Blossoms and Wrestling Gate Guardians - W...
The kashira is decorated with cherry blossoms that match the accompanying fuchi. The menuki is a playful depiction of two Buddhist temple gate guardians ("niô") arm-wrestling. This is part of a mounted set.
Sakurai Hoichi - Kozuka with Buddhist Implements - Walters 5111753
A censer and Buddhist prayer beads are carved into this ivory kozuka. This is part of a mounted set made completely of ivory.
Sugiura Jôi - Tsuba with Hotei and His Boy Attendant in a Boat under a...
Hotei relaxes in a boat at the bottom of this tsuba, looking towards the moon on the upper left. Hotei is one of the seven gods of good fortune and is usually depicted as a jolly old man. An attendant accompani... More
Hamano Shôzui - Tsuba with a Gate Guardian at a Temple - Walters 51135...
On the front of this tsuba is one of the paired guardians ("ni-ô") who guard the main south gate at Buddhist temples in Japan. At the bottom, the top of the fence that typically surrounds the gods can be seen. ... More
Ichinomiya Nagatsune - Kozuka with Daikoku with Jewels and Rats - Walt...
Daikoku, one of the seven gods of good fortune, is shown leaning against his bag of precious jewels. On the table next to him are several jewels and he holds on in his hand. Three rats surround him, one on the ... More
Japanese - Kozuka with Hotei and His Bag of Treasures - Walters 51842
Hotei is one of the seven gods of good fortune. He is most often depicted with his bag of treasures. He is behind the bag, leaning forward onto it. Hotei developed from both Taoist and Buddhist beliefs.
Sesshin - Kozuka with Fudô Myô-ô - Walters 51798 - Back
Fudô Myô-ô, the Immovable One, is depicted standing on a rocky cliff. Behind him is a mandorla of flames. Fudô Myô-ô is one of the five Kings of Light who protect the Buddhist faithful. His fierce expression is... More
Tsutsui Yoshifusa - Tsuba with Hotei with Attendants and Treasures - W...
Standing at the right of this tsuba is Hotei, the god of happiness and one of the Seven Gods of Good Fortune. Two attendants are on the left. Hotei is usually shown with a bag of treasures. The bag is at the bo... More
Bunkan - Figure of a Monk - Walters 61267
The inscription under the base of this figure states that it was made for (or perhaps by) Monkan in the year 1347. It likely represents a Shingon priest of this name who lived from 1278-1357 and excelled in the... More
Hidemasa I - Daruma, the First Zen Buddhist Patriarch - Walters 71955
Hidemasa I (Japanese, active late 18th-early 19th century). 'Daruma, the First Zen Buddhist Patriarch,' early 19th century. sperm whale tooth. Walters Art Museum (71.955): Acquired by Henry Walters.
Hikaku - Demon Holding a Cup - Walters 71976
Hikaku (Japanese, active ca. late 18th-early 19th century). 'Demon Holding a Cup,' early 19th century. sperm whale tooth. Walters Art Museum (71.976): Acquired by Henry Walters.
Japanese - Incense Burner Dedicated to Konpira Daigongen - Walters 542...
Konpira Daigongen is the protector of sailors and maritime trade. Public domain photograph of sculpture, statue, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Japanese - Kozuka with Buddha - Walters 5112014
The figure on the kozuka is a standing Buddha. The wheel behind his head, in place of the usual aureole, probably symbolizes the wheel of the law. This might be Amida Buddha. This is part of a mounted set.
Soyo - Tsuba with Marishiten and Atago Jizô - Walters 51104 - Back
At the top of the tsuba are seven stars from the constellation Ursa Major. The deity Marishiten was believed to reside in Ursa Major, and she is depicted in the left cartouche. Marishiten is shown standing on a... More
Soyo - Tsuba with Marishiten and Atago Jizô - Walters 51104 - Mark A
At the top of the tsuba are seven stars from the constellation Ursa Major. The deity Marishiten was believed to reside in Ursa Major, and she is depicted in the left cartouche. Marishiten is shown standing on a... More
Yokoya Somin V - Kozuka with Hotei and Child - Walters 5111693 - Back
Hotei is one of the seven gods of good fortune ("shichifukujin"). He is often depicted as a rotund Buddhist monk with a bag of treasures. When depicted without the other gods, he is frequently depicted with sma... More
Hamano Noriyuki II - Kozuka with a Temple Guardian - Walters 51818
The figure at the bottom of the kozuka is a temple guardian ("ni-ô"). These two fierce deities guard the main south gate at Buddhist temples. The one depicted here appears to the visitors left as they enter. On... More
Iwamoto Konkan - Tsuba with Marishiten - Walters 51253 - Mark A
Standing on a charging bull at the right side of this tsuba is the Buddhist deity Marishiten. She is known as the Queen of Heaven, despite her masculine appearance. She has three faces. Her six arms (normally e... More
Japanese - Tendai Buddhist Figure Kongodoji - Walters 61268
Kongodoji Myoo is one of several "Kings of Knowledge," wrathful manifestations, in this case of the Buddha Amitabha, revered in the Tendai (Taimitsu) sect of Buddhism and by the practitioners of Shugendo mounta... More
Japanese - Transom from a Temple Depicting a Phoenix and Chicks in a B...
Anonymous (Japanese). 'Transom from a Temple Depicting a Phoenix and Chicks in a Bamboo Grove,' 17th century. gilded and polychromed wood. Walters Art Museum (64.173): Acquired by Henry Walters, 1906.
Japanese - Tsuka with Fudô Myô-ô and Kongara Dôji - Walters 5112232B
The menuki on the front of the hilt depicts the deity Fudô Myô-ô, the Immovable One. Behind him is a mandorla of flames. Fudô Myô-ô is one of the five Kings of Light who protect the Buddhist faithful. His fierc... More
Kano Natsuo - Tsuba with the Bodhisattva Kannon - Walters 51218 - Back
The bodhisattva Kannon sits on the right side of the tsuba. While the bodhisattva is neither a man nor a woman, depictions of this type have a distinctly feminine aspect. She is called the "White Robed Kannon" ... More
Nakagawa Isshô - Tsuba with Temple Landscape - Walters 5112302
At the right of the tsuba, temple buildings rise from the shore near pine trees. Towards the back and above the hole for the kogai stands a pagoda. Waves are in the foreground at the bottom. On the reverse, plo... More
Sugiura Jôi - Tsuba with Hotei and His Boy Attendant in a Boat under a...
Hotei relaxes in a boat at the bottom of this tsuba, looking towards the moon on the upper left. Hotei is one of the seven gods of good fortune and is usually depicted as a jolly old man. An attendant accompani... More
Tamura Tadayuki - Tsuba with a Gate Guardian at Todaiji - Walters 5123...
The large figure on the right of the tsuba is one of the paired guardians ("ni-ô") who guard the main south gate at Buddhist temples in Japan. These fierce looking figures protect temples from evil spirits. In ... More
Toshiyuki - Kozuka with Daruma - Walters 51643 - Back
Daruma, the founder of Zen Buddhism, is at the bottom of the kozuka. His arms are raised above his head and he is holding a fly whisk used during meditation. He is either yelling or laughing, with an open mouth... More
Tsuchiya Yasuchika - Kozuka with Hotei - Walters 51685 - Back
Hotei is one of the seven gods of good fortune, with his origins in both Taoist and Buddhist beliefs. He is shown leaning against his bag of treasures. On the left is a Chinese style fan that Hotei is often sho... More
Tsuchiya Yasuchika - Kozuka with Hotei - Walters 51685
Hotei is one of the seven gods of good fortune, with his origins in both Taoist and Buddhist beliefs. He is shown leaning against his bag of treasures. On the left is a Chinese style fan that Hotei is often sho... More
Hamano Masanobu - Kozuka with the Buddha - Walters 51664 - Mark A
The figure on this kozuka bears a strong resemblance to 13th-century paintings of the historical Buddha made in both China and Japan. In these paintings, Buddha is shown coming down from a mountain after six ye... More
Hamano Naoyuki - Kozuka with Asahina Saburô and a Gate Guardian - Walt...
At the left is the 12th-century warrior Asahina Saburô, who was known for his feats of strength. He can be recognized by the dancing crane crest visible near his knee. He is shown with a temple gate guardian ("... More
Japanese - Kozuka with the Monk Bukan - Walters 51710
This kozuka shows the Chinese monk Bukan (Ch. Fenggan [Feng Kan) riding his tiger beneath a pine tree. Bukan's control the tiger is interpreted as a sign of the power of the Buddhist faith.
Japanese - Tsuka with Fudô Myô-ô and Kongara Dôji - Walters 5112232B -...
The menuki on the front of the hilt depicts the deity Fudô Myô-ô, the Immovable One. Behind him is a mandorla of flames. Fudô Myô-ô is one of the five Kings of Light who protect the Buddhist faithful. His fierc... More
Japanese - Tsuka with Menuki of Buddha and Daruma - Walters 5111493 - ...
The body of the tsuka is decorated with clouds and gold lotus petals. The petals frame the menuki, which represent two important religious figures. The first is the historical Buddha, known in Japan as Shakyamu... More
Tamagawa Masaharu - Tsuba with a Temple Guardian Statue - Walters 5122...
The fierce figure on the right of this tsuba is one of the paired guardians ("ni-ô") who guard the main south gate at Buddhist temples in Japan. The fierce figures protect temples from evil spirits. The dove on... More
Toshiyuki - Kozuka with Daruma - Walters 51643
Daruma, the founder of Zen Buddhism, is at the bottom of the kozuka. His arms are raised above his head and he is holding a fly whisk used during meditation. He is either yelling or laughing, with an open mouth... More
Uchikoshi Hirotoshi - Kozuka with Fudô Myô-ô - Walters 51873
Fudô Myô-ô, the Immovable One, is depicted standing on a rocky cliff near a waterfall. Behind him is a mandorla of flames. Fudô Myôô is one of the five Kings of Light who protect the Buddhist faithful. His fier... More
Japanese - Buddhist Guardian Lion (Shishi) - Walters 61182 - View B
This lion would have supported either an image of the Bodhisattva Mañjusri (Monju in Japanese), who stands for the Buddha's wisdom, or a sacred gem.
Japanese - Kozuka with Hotei and His Bag of Treasures - Walters 51842 ...
Hotei is one of the seven gods of good fortune. He is most often depicted with his bag of treasures. He is behind the bag, leaning forward onto it. Hotei developed from both Taoist and Buddhist beliefs.
Japanese - Locket with Two Buddhist Deities - Walters 61278 - Open
This locket features two Buddhist deities with different functions. On the left is the "1,000-armed Kannon" (Avalokiteshvara), symbolizing compassion for all living creatures. On the right is a "King of Desire"... More
Sakurai Hoichi - Kozuka with Buddhist Implements - Walters 5111753 - M...
A censer and Buddhist prayer beads are carved into this ivory kozuka. This is part of a mounted set made completely of ivory.
Shimamura Shunmei - Seated Buddha Shaka - Walters 71745 - View A
Shimamura Shunmei (Japanese, 1853-1896). 'Seated Buddha Shaka,' 1853-1896. ivory and gold with wooden base. Walters Art Museum (71.745): Acquired by William T. Walters.
Soyo - Tsuba with Marishiten and Atago Jizô - Walters 51104
At the top of the tsuba are seven stars from the constellation Ursa Major. The deity Marishiten was believed to reside in Ursa Major, and she is depicted in the left cartouche. Marishiten is shown standing on a... More
Sugiura Jôi - Tsuba with Fudû Myô-ô - Walters 51362
This tsuba depicts Fudô Myô-ô, the Immovable Bright King, who is shown in a cave at the right. Fudô is a deity in the Buddhist pantheon. He holds a sword in one hand and a rope in another to combat evil. His fi... More
Toshihiro - Tsuba with Temple Bell and Sparrows - Walters 5112332
At the right of the tsuba is a temple bell surrounded by cherry blossoms. Two sparrows fly across the upper left. On the reverse, driving rain obscures the scene of a building in the background with a pine tree... More
Hamano Naoyuki - Kozuka with Asahina Saburô and a Gate Guardian - Walt...
At the left is the 12th-century warrior Asahina Saburô, who was known for his feats of strength. He can be recognized by the dancing crane crest visible near his knee. He is shown with a temple gate guardian ("... More
Hamano Noriyuki II - Kozuka with a Temple Guardian - Walters 51818 - B...
The figure at the bottom of the kozuka is a temple guardian ("ni-ô"). These two fierce deities guard the main south gate at Buddhist temples. The one depicted here appears to the visitors left as they enter. On... More
Ichinomiya Nagatsune - Kozuka with Daikoku with Jewels and Rats - Walt...
Daikoku, one of the seven gods of good fortune, is shown leaning against his bag of precious jewels. On the table next to him are several jewels and he holds on in his hand. Three rats surround him, one on the ... More
Japanese - Tsuka with Fudô Myô-ô and Kongara Dôji - Walters 5112232B -...
The menuki on the front of the hilt depicts the deity Fudô Myô-ô, the Immovable One. Behind him is a mandorla of flames. Fudô Myô-ô is one of the five Kings of Light who protect the Buddhist faithful. His fierc... More
Japanese - Zen Master Bukan with His Tamed Tiger - Walters 61230
Anonymous (Japanese). 'Zen Master Bukan with His Tamed Tiger,' 1st half 19th century. wood. Walters Art Museum (61.230): Acquired by Henry Walters.
Morimura Atsutaka - Tsuba with Saigyô Gazing at Mt Fuji - Walters 5113...
Seated at the lower left of the tsuba is the 12th-century monk Saigyô. Saigyô was a palace guard who became a Buddhist monk at the age of twenty three when the Emperor Toba abdicated and became a monk. Saigyô w... More
Sugiura Jôi - Tsuba with Fudû Myô-ô - Walters 51362 - Mark A
This tsuba depicts Fudô Myô-ô, the Immovable Bright King, who is shown in a cave at the right. Fudô is a deity in the Buddhist pantheon. He holds a sword in one hand and a rope in another to combat evil. His fi... More
Tamura Tadayuki - Tsuba with a Gate Guardian at Todaiji - Walters 5123...
The large figure on the right of the tsuba is one of the paired guardians ("ni-ô") who guard the main south gate at Buddhist temples in Japan. These fierce looking figures protect temples from evil spirits. In ... More
Yokoya Somin V - Kozuka with Hotei and Child - Walters 5111693
Hotei is one of the seven gods of good fortune ("shichifukujin"). He is often depicted as a rotund Buddhist monk with a bag of treasures. When depicted without the other gods, he is frequently depicted with sma... More
Hamano Shôzui - Tsuba with a Gate Guardian at a Temple - Walters 51135...
On the front of this tsuba is one of the paired guardians ("ni-ô") who guard the main south gate at Buddhist temples in Japan. At the bottom, the top of the fence that typically surrounds the gods can be seen. ... More
Hamano Shôzui - Tsuba with Hotei - Walters 51270 - Mark A
Hotei is one of the seven gods of good fortune, with his origins in both Taoist and Buddhist beliefs. Here, he is shown opening his bag of treasures on the right side of the tsuba. In his raised right hand is a... More
Iwamoto Konkan - Kozuka with Daruma - Walters 51739
Daruma (Sk. Bodhidharma) was an Indian Buddhist who lived in the 6th century. He is recognized as the founder of Zen Buddhism. Legends claim that he traveled to China and Japan. Here he is shown standing on a r... More
Iwamoto Konkan - Tsuba with Marishiten - Walters 51253 - Back
Standing on a charging bull at the right side of this tsuba is the Buddhist deity Marishiten. She is known as the Queen of Heaven, despite her masculine appearance. She has three faces. Her six arms (normally e... More
Iwamoto Konkan - Tsuba with Marishiten - Walters 51253 - Mark B
Standing on a charging bull at the right side of this tsuba is the Buddhist deity Marishiten. She is known as the Queen of Heaven, despite her masculine appearance. She has three faces. Her six arms (normally e... More