By Hirata Hikozō
Early Edo period
Donated by Homma Norio
Dragonflies—sometimes known as kachimushi, or “victory bugs”—are believed to be a symbol of courage. They were prized by warriors as good luck charms, and were often used as design motifs on samurai armour and weaponry.
Hirata Hikozō (?–1635) was a master craftsperson of the Hosokawa clan, who ruled over the Kumamoto Domain in Higo Province.