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Tsuba (sword guard): Deer Belling at the Autumn Moon
Tsuba (sword guard): Deer Belling at the Autumn Moon
Image © Worcester Art Museum, all rights reserved.

Tsuba (sword guard): Deer Belling at the Autumn Moon

Artist/Culture
Dateearly to mid-1800s
Mediumiron, gold, silver, shakudo and other copper alloys
Dimensions7.5 x 6.8 cm (2 15/16 x 2 11/16 in.)
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
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