Title: Kabuto and Tachi
Description
Kozuka and Menuki were made of Shakudo. Shakudo contains copper and a little amount of gold so that it makes purplish-black color. This item is a combination of Kogatana (small knife), Kozuka and Menuki. Some parts are decorated with gold elaborately, and it gives luxury looks. There is a crack on the Kozuka, please check each photo.
During the warring period, men were expected to become strong Samurai. For that reason, it was essential to be in good health condition always. It is believed that Kabuto (warrior’s helmet) will protect them from evil spirits or misfortune. And, as only high-ranked Samurais could wear gorgeous helmets, this motif symbolizes the wish for promotions. Kabuto pattern is often found for Kimono (traditional Japanese costume) of boys.
Tachi is a type of Japanese sword. Many Samurai appreciated using weapons motifs as the decoration because of the hope of being the country’s ruler. This Kozuka and Menuki might represent its owner’s big ambition as Samurai.
*As this item is an antique, please check each photo and ensure its condition.
What is Kozuka?
Kozuka is the small knife stored in Kozuka Hitsu (groove of the sheath of the Japanese sword). Many Tsubas (handguards) have two holes to put Kozuka and Kougai (equipment for appearance) next to Nakagoana (a hole of the Tsuba to put sword) so that Samurai did not need to draw his sword out of the scabbard when he wanted to use Kozuka or Kougai. Initially, Samurai used it for cutting wood or attacking enemies in an emergency. It is said that Kozuka was used as a craft knife rather than a weapon.
The decorative designs of Kozuka were more emphasized than its practical use in the Edo period when Samurai society enjoyed one of the most peaceful times. Furthermore, there were many ornamental Kozuka and Kougai created by Japanese metalworkers.
What is Menuki?
Menuki is a kind of metal fitting of the Japanese sword, which was initially put into the handle’s hole. It covers Mekugi (nail) so that the blade of a sword will be fixed. Originally, Menuki was used to hold Mekugi, but they became separated over time. And then, Menuki had developed its practicality and beauty for the decoration of the Japanese sword.
Menuki became more decorative than in early modern times. Since it had been attached under the Tsukamaki (the handle of the Japanese sword wrapped by thread), Menuki played an essential role in making it easier to grip the sword’s handle.
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 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.
Kogatana, Kozuka
Menuki A
Menuki B
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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, original Japanese sword mounting, traditional crafts made in Japan and so on.
Payment method
We accept payment through Stripe (Credit card) or PayPal, both of which are secure payment methods. If you prefer other payment method, please contact us. You can either pay in JPY, USD, EUR or GBP. The price is decided in Japanese Yen. The price in other currencies is calculated automatically based on the 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. We will use DHL instead for those who ordered from USA or Australia as EMS temporarily stops shipping to these countries due to COVID-19. We offer Free International Shipping as long as we can ship your order by either EMS or DHL. (USA, Australia only)
We will inform you of the order’s tracking number via email. Please make sure you fill out your valid email address correctly.
*Please keep in mind that due to the spread of COVID-19, there might be delays in shipping. If you like to know the detail about shipping, please feel free to ask us.
How to make sure the condition
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.
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/
Would you like see some more Menuki for sale? Please check the link below. We hope you can find your favorite Menuki.
https://www.samuraimuseum.jp/shop/product-category/decorations/menuki/