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| View Original: | Japanese_-_Tsuba_with_Bishamonten_-_Walters_5199_-_Back.jpg (1799x1791) | |||
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| Keywords: Japanese - Tsuba with Bishamonten - Walters 5199 - Back.jpg 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 treasure house of spiritual wealth that he protects He also appears as one of the seven gods of good fortune in folk beliefs In that context he is considered the god of warriors This makes him a particularly appropriate decoration for a tsuba The reverse shows a pine tree which is also considered a sign of good fortune The branches from this pine tree appear along the upper border of the front side as well century 19 shibuichi gold copper cm 6 55 6 1 0 22 accession number 51 99 17841 Henry Walters Baltimore date and mode of acquisition unknown Walters Art Museum Henry Walters Acquired by Henry Walters none place of origin Japan Walters Art Museum license Tsuba in the Walters Art Museum Media contributed by the Walters Art Museum needs category review | ||||
