Description
This item is an antique Kayakuire (火薬入れ, powder flask). It is a small container to store gunpowder. In Japan, powder flasks were made from developed materials and produced with advanced techniques. Some of them were gorgeously painted with lacquer. We estimate this powder flask was made in the Edo period or later.
You see that the Netsuke (根付, miniature sculpture) is attached to this case. It is a fastener used when hanging various items such as Inro (印籠, case), purse, or small bag from the Obi (帯, belt) with a string and carrying them around. As the picture below shows, you could hang this powder flask on your belt and enjoy it as a part of your fashion.
As for the design, the Tokugawa Aoi crest (徳川葵), a butterfly, and a karakusa (arabesque) pattern are depicted on the surface. The Aoi crest is known as the family emblem of the Tokugawa shogunate, led by Tokugawa Ieyasu, a famous military commander of the Warring States period. This plant motif was also used for the crest of the Kamo Shrine in Kyoto Prefecture. As mentioned above, the Tokugawa family adopted the three-leaved Aoi crest due to their historical connection with the Kamo Shrine. Since the leaves of the Aoi plant are said to always face the sun, and the word “Aoi” is associated with aogu (仰ぐ, “to look up” toward the sun), people believed that the Aoi pattern would bring good fortune.
A larva becomes a chrysalis, and it grows up to a butterfly. As this insect changes its looks, it symbolizes reborn; therefore, Samurai loved the butterfly pattern. Also, as butterflies make a couple on good terms, this motif represents happy marriage.
Karakusa (arabesque) is a pattern in which stems and leaves of vines are twined and make curves. Since ivy has a strong vitality and grows up without interruption, people regarded this design as a symbol of prosperity and longevity. Vine is called Tsuru (蔓) in Japanese, and it has another pronunciation; “Man.” There is a word 万 (it is also read Man), which means ten thousand. In the Karakusa pattern, leaves and vines are connected like Obi (帯, belt). The word “帯” can also be read “Tai.” Due to its pronunciation, the term “代 (Tai)” is associated. From this word-association game, an idiom 万代 is associated, and it means a thousand generations. In other words, we could imagine that people used this design wishing prosperity and longevity for their clans for a long time.
*As this item is an antique, please check each photo and ensure its condition.
【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】
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【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. We offer Free International Shipping as long as we can ship your order by EMS. If you prefer other shipping carriers, please contact us.
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【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 antique item and we are prepared to use the best of our ability to serve you.
Would you like see some more Antique items for sale? Please check the link below. We hope you can find your favorite item.
https://www.samuraimuseum.jp/shop/product-category/antique/
