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Updated: 5 Dec 2024

SOLD

Antique Tsuba for Samurai Sword (T-341)

$568.46

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

INCLUDED: Wooden box, Cushion

Title: Budou Zu

Signature: NO SIGNED
Age: Edo period
Material: Iron

Size Thickness Nakagoana Weight
10.7cm×10.1cm 0.4cm 2.8cm×0.8cm 233g

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

SOLD

Title: Budou Zu

Description
 Yotsu Mokkou-shaped Tsuba made from iron. Mokkou (木瓜) shape, its origin is a shape of eggs that are rest in a nest. When a quince (it is written 木瓜 in Japanese) is cut into round slices, its cross-section looks similar to this shape; therefore, it was named Mokkougata Tsuba. Yotsu-Mokkougata (a combination of four Mokkou shapes) Tsuba is often seen as this Tsuba is categorized. The golden and silvery metals are applied to tiny dots. It might depict water drops.

 You would also enjoy a delicate decorative part of this Tsuba. A kind of metal is poured into Kozuka and Kougai holes. If you focus on these holes, you will realize that a small flower pattern is applied there. The flower-shaped stamp might make it.

 This Tsuba is characteristically larger compare to many other Tsubas. Budou (葡萄, grape) bearing fruits is imposingly designed on the large screen. A theory says the grape pattern represents fertility, good health, and longevity. People treat this motif as an auspicious design.

 In Japanese, there is the word Budou (武道) which means martial arts. As Budou (葡萄) has the same pronunciation of this word, it is considered that grape pattern shares some underlying ideas with Bushido (武士道, Japanese chivalry). That is why many Samurai appreciated the grape motif. Especially the combination of grape and squirrel patterns was widespread. The squirrel is a familiar animal to people since ancient times. According to a theory, this motif was brought to Japan in the Muromachi period (1336-1573). The Budou Risu (葡萄栗鼠, combination of squirrel and grape) pattern became famous and started to be applied to porcelains or sculptures. Since squirrels resemble mice that is a fertile animal, people regarded squirrels as the symbol of the prosperity of descendants. 

 *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 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. If you prefer other payment method, please contact us. You may either pay in JPY, USD, AUD, EUR 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. We will use DHL instead for those who ordered from Canada 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 (Australia, Canada only). 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. 

*Please keep in mind that due to the spread of COVID-19, there might be possible delays in delivery. If you like to make sure if EMS shipping is available to your country, please contact us.

【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 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.

※These photos are the example of Tsuba stand and how to place the Tsuba.

-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.

-Arrange in modern style
 We want to propose to you the way that you could enjoy the Tsuba as jewelry. By stringing a cord into the center hole of the Tsuba, it could  be worn as a necklace. This modern way would show you a new charm of Tsuba. Here are the examples of neckless. 

【Give the Tsuba as a special gift】
 Are you looking for a special gift for a person who is interested in Japanese culture? We recommend you to give an antique Tsuba as a present for your significant other. Tsuba is an integral part of the Samurai sword, which was once a primary weapon for Samurai. Each Tsuba is a unique item and has a different design. We hope it would be a memorable gift. Now it is time for you to share the beauty of a piece of Samurai history with your family members or friends, for instance. Also, gift wrapping is available for Tsuba; it is for free. Here is an example of wrapping. For more information, please feel free to contact us. It is always our pleasure to serve you.

 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/

SOLD