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Tsuba with design of a mass of flying birds
Japanese
Edo period
mid-19th century
Medium/Technique
Main material: shibuichi; other metals: shakudo; copper sekigane; gilt plug; decorative technique: takabori, zogan
Dimensions
Overall: 7.2 x 6.6 x 0.5 cm (2 13/16 x 2 5/8 x 3/16 in.)
Credit Line
William Sturgis Bigelow Collection
Accession Number11.11890
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAsia
ClassificationsArms and armor
Signed
Shiunsai Hirochika, with a kao
紫雲斎弘親（花押）
紫雲斎弘親（花押）
ProvenanceBy 1911, purchased by William Sturgis Bigelow (b. 1850 - d. 1926), Boston [see note 1]; 1911, gift of Bigelow to the MFA. (Accession Date: August 3, 1911)
NOTES:
[1] Much of Bigelow's collection of Asian art was formed during his residence in Japan between 1882 and 1889, although he also made acquisitions in Europe and the United States. Bigelow deposited many of these objects at the MFA in 1890 before donating them to the Museum's collection at later dates.
NOTES:
[1] Much of Bigelow's collection of Asian art was formed during his residence in Japan between 1882 and 1889, although he also made acquisitions in Europe and the United States. Bigelow deposited many of these objects at the MFA in 1890 before donating them to the Museum's collection at later dates.