Tsuba (sword guard): Deer Belling at the Autumn Moon
Artist/Culture
Japanese
Dateearly to mid-1800s
Mediumiron, gold, silver, shakudo and other copper alloys
Dimensions7.5 × 6.8 cm (2 15/16 × 2 11/16 in.), 4.2 oz
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineBequest of Mildred Marcus Levin and Harold Lester Levin of Nutley, NJ
Object number1976.239
DescriptionDeer's spots and hooves are shakudo, horns are gilt; silver in the scenery.Label TextThe deer belling at the moon evokes autumnal themes found in many a haiku, and would have been especially suited for a samurai’s fall wardrobe. It might also be a comment on his romantic status, as the deer who bells under the autumn moon is the one who has not yet found a mate.ProvenanceHarold Levin, Nutley, NJ
On View
Not on view
Japanese
about 1900, based on elements from the 1700s and 1800s
