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Updated: 29 Mar 2024

SOLD

Antique Tsuba for Samurai Sword (T-225)

$1,189.15

Delivery Time: 5 – 14 DAYS
*Delivery may take longer, depending on countries or holiday seasons.

Title: Moonlight

Signature: 定政 (Sadamasa)
Age: Edo period
Material: Gilding on 赤銅 (Shakudou, the mixture of copper and gold) base

Size Thickness Nakagoana Weight
7.2cm×7.0cm 0.4cm 2.5cm×0.9cm 160g

You can enlarge all the photos to see the detail of the item.

SOLD

Title: Moonlight

Description
 Shakudou Tsuba circle shape with Kozuka and Kougai holes

 Uchiwa is engraved on the front, and Ougi is seen on its back. Uchiwa and Ougi are are kinds of fans. The handle of Uchiwa is strung, and a mouse bites it. You will find a crescent moon on the surface. As this Tsuba’s base is covered gold, it seems this Tsuba itself looks like a full moon. Its backside is designed with a big weeping willow. Short grasses are inlaid with copper and silver. Weeping willow pattern has been appreciated since a long time ago and is used as the motif for poetry or paintings.

 As mice have many children, it is regarded as a symbol of fertility and prosperity for future generations. Uchiwa is the item to fan for cooling, but it is also considered as the magical item to exorcise evil spirits. Several flying birds are inlaid with gold on the surface of Uchiwa. These birds might be wild gooses or sea mews. The wild goose is a migratory bird that represents fall. Its pattern is often found for sword mountings, Kimono (traditional Japanese costume), or family crests. This bird is engraved by a realistic figure and a very simplified shape: Hiragana(a kind of Japanese letter) “he” shape that sometimes makes also wild goose. A waterwheel and a net are also inlaid on Uchiwa.  

 Initially, only high-classed people used Ougi in ancient times; therefore, its pattern represents wealth. If you focus on its shape, It is classified Suehirogari shape in Japanese. It is a kind of good-luck figure, and it represents progress and prosperity. You will find a peony decorates this Ougi. Peony represents happiness, wealth, nobleness, and gorgeousness. This flower pattern has also been treated as a sign of a plentiful harvest. Peony is called Botan in Japanese. When we write this flower’s name in Japanese, its second letter has the meaning: medicine of mountain hermit that will give us the eternal youth. Based on this idea, the peony pattern symbolizes eternal youth and longevity. 

 There are many types to describe the moon: full-moon, half-moon, a hazy moon, and so on. Moon is one of the classic popular motifs for us. As it changes its figure with time, it attracts the spirit of Kachofugetsu (the beauty of nature) for Japanese. The crescent moon shines brightly on this Tsuba makes a mysterious and elegant look.  

 *As this item is an antique, please check each photo and ensure its condition.

What is Tsuba?
 Tsuba is the hand-guard of the Japanese sword. High-class Samurai wore his katana sword with its beautiful sword mountings such as Tsuba. Tsuba’s front design tends to be more decorative as this part was often seen by other Samurais when he was walking on the streets.

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.



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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. If you prefer other payment method, please contact us. You can either pay in Japanese Yen or US Dollars. The price is decided in Japanese Yen. The price in US dollar is calculated automatically based on an 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. 

 It is essential for us to know that you are happy with your choice of Tsuba and we are prepared to use the best of our ability to serve you.

How to appreciate Tsuba
 Although Tsuba is a small component of Japanese sword mountings, we would say it is one of the most conspicuous parts. Also, unlike the blade itself, Tsuba has a low risk of handling. Furthermore, it does not require a large space for storage. Thus, Tsuba is relatively easy to collect. Here we would like to propose a few ways to enrich your Tsuba experience after purchasing your favorite Tsuba.

-Inspection
 Inspect and feel the artistry of Tsuba. You will be amazed by the maker’s work quality to make it look a great work.

-Find the right place to display
 Tsuba would look great when displayed in the best way. Find the best place in your house, your office, or anywhere you like, so that Tsuba would be appreciated as much as you like.

-Learn the details
 Tsuba reflects quite a lot of detailed features of its maker. Sometimes you can find the maker’s signature on Tsuba. Tsuba makers tried adding elaborate artistry to Tsuba. Many techniques were invented to achieve this goal, such as openworks, engravings, and gold/silver inlays. There were many schools that trained Tsuba creators, and each of them has different characteristics. You would enjoy knowing these differences and find your beloved style.

What is included
 This item will be packed in a wooden box. 

 

 Would you like see some more Tsuba for sale? Please check the link below. We hope you can find your favorite Tsuba.
https://www.samuraimuseum.jp/shop/product-category/decorations/tsuba/

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