Tsuba with Lion Dancers
Iwamoto Konju (Japanese, died 1815) (Artist)
1815 (late Edo)
sentoku, shibuichi with gold, silver and copper detail
(Japanese Military Armor)

The lion dance is usually performed as part of the New Year’s celebrations. On this tsuba, two performers dance in the lion costume, along with a third masked figure who is also part of the dance. The lion dance tradition developed in China from a belief that the dance would protect villages from evil spirits. Stylized lions such as this are known as Chinese lions (shishi) in Japan. A willow tree decorates the back and its boughs also appear in the upper portion of the front side. The tsuba is signed with a seal on the reverse.

Inscription

[Seal] 昆寿; [Translation] Konju

Provenance

Henry Walters, Baltimore [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by beqeust.

Geographies

Japan, Tokyo (Edo) (Place of Origin)
Measurements

3 1/16 x 2 3/4 x 3/16 in. (7.7 x 7.03 x 0.42 cm)
Credit Line

Acquired by Henry Walters
Location in Museum

Not on view
Accession Number

51.105
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