Title: Inome Zu
Description
This Bashin (馬針) features a design showcasing a ino-me(猪の目).
At the lower part of this bashin (horse vet tool), you can see a heart-like design known as ino-me, which literally means “boar’s eye” in Japanese.
The ino-me motif has been used in Japanese art and architecture since ancient times, particularly in shrine buildings, armor fittings, and sword mountings. Despite its heart-shaped appearance, it is not originally associated with romantic symbolism. Instead, it was traditionally believed to have protective powers—warding off evil spirits and misfortune. This design is thought to derive from the shape of a wild boar’s eye, an animal admired in Japanese culture for its bravery and strength. Because of these associations, the ino-me came to symbolize protection, courage, and spiritual resilience. Its presence on items like the bashin adds both aesthetic and symbolic value, reflecting the deep connection between utility and spiritual meaning in traditional Japanese craftsmanship.
*As this item is an antique, please check each photo and ensure its condition.
What is Bashin?
The bashin (馬針) is a traditional Japanese horse tack tool, also known as kankyūtō (貫級刀), with both practical and symbolic significance. Originally, the bashin served a medical purpose on the battlefield or during long hunts. When horses experienced poor circulation in their legs due to extended exertion, warriors would use the bashin to make small incisions, allowing blood to flow and thus relieving congestion. This procedure helped to maintain the horse’s condition and stamina. While it began as a functional veterinary tool, the bashin gradually lost its practical role and evolved into a decorative fitting included in Japanese sword mountings (koshirae). Unlike the kozuka (a small utility knife that fits into the side of a sword scabbard), the bashin features a solid construction where the blade and handle are forged as one piece (tomoe-zukuri), and it is double-edged. Due to this structure, it could also be used as a short stabbing weapon or even as a shuriken (throwing blade) in emergencies.
Why is it that the sword mounting was important for Samurai?
The sword mountings of the Japanese sword have many kinds of decorations such as handguards (Tsuba), sword hilt (Menuki), pommel (Fuchi Kashira). The Japanese sword worked as a weapon and as an object to show who he was. For example, it shows their personalities and beliefs. You could say that it is like decorations for smartphones today. We recommend you zoom in on the pictures of the sword fittings. When you do so, you can see the skill of Japanese metal engraving techniques. They are mainly made of iron and copper with inlays of gold, silver, and bronze. When it comes to handguard (Tsuba), each one has a different outline and weight. These sword fittings that have lived with Japanese swords of the same age might be worth as much as the Japanese swords. They are inconspicuous parts of the Japanese sword. Nevertheless, if you are knowledgeable or particular about it, you will become a connoisseur of the Samurai.
【About us】
Samurai Museum is located in Tokyo, Japan, exhibiting antique artifacts related to the Samurai history. Samurai Museum Shop is the place for those who are interested in Japanese culture and craftsmanship. We deal with antique Samurai swords/armor, traditional crafts made in Japan and so on.
【Payment method】
We accept payment through Stripe (Credit card), PayPal, Apple Pay or ChromePay, all of which are secure payment methods. Also, you don’t need to make an account on Stripe for the checkout. If you prefer other payment method, please contact us. You may either pay in JPY, USD, AUD, CAD, EUR, CHF or GBP. The price is set in Japanese Yen. Prices in other currencies are automatically calculated based on the latest exchange rate.
【Shipping duration】
We normally ship via EMS (Express Mail Service) provided by Japan Post. It usually takes at least 5-14 days to deliver the package after you place an order. Time of delivery is estimated as accurately as possible by the carrier but does not take into account any delays beyond our control such as by inclement weather, post office holiday seasons.
We offer Free International Shipping as long as we can ship your order by EMS. If you prefer other shipping carriers, please contact us.
We will inform you of the order’s tracking number via email. Please make sure you fill out your valid email address correctly.
【How to make sure the condition】
Please keep in mind that what you are going to purchase is an antique item. We uploaded high resolution photos for you to check its condition thoroughly. If you like to see more photos with different angles, please feel free to contact us. We will be happy to send them to you so that you can make informed decision.
It is essential for us to know that you are happy with your choice of Kozuka and we are prepared to use the best of our ability to serve you.
Would you like see some more Kozuka for sale? Please check the link below. We hope you can find your favorite Kozuka.
https://www.samuraimuseum.jp/shop/product-category/decorations/koduka/
