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Updated: 4 Nov 2024

Antique Tsuba for Samurai Sword with NBTHK Tokubetsu Kichou Certificate (T-714)

$521.90

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

INCLUDED: Wooden box, Cushion, NBTHK Tokubetsu Kichou Certificate

Title: Heianjo-style, Momiji Zu

Signature: Heianjo Jyu Masashige
Age: Azuchi Momoyama period
Material: Iron

Size Thickness Nakagoana Weight
7.8cm×7.2cm 0.2cm 2.8cm×0.8cm 127g

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

In stock

Title: Heianjo-style, Momiji Zu

Description

 This Tsuba is recognized by The Society for Preservation of Japanese Art Swords, which is known as NBTHK. This Tsuba has an inscription of Heianjo Ju Masashige (平安城住政重), who was active during the Azuchi Momoyama period (1574-1596). Heianjo is another name of Yamashiro province (today’s Kyoto), and Heianjo Ju means he resided in this area when he created this Tsuba. 

 He was a craftsman of the Heianjo style Zougan (平安城式象嵌), and this Tsuba is categorized as the Heianjo Shinchu Zougan Tsuba (平安城真鍮象嵌鐔). The Heianjo-style was established in Yamashiro (山城, today’s Kyoto Prefecture). According to a theory, this school was born during the reign of the sixth Shogun (将軍, general) of the Muromachi (室町) Shogunate. And its style was influenced by the tastes of the Shogun. The works of this school could be classified into two types according to their noticeable characteristics. The one is the Heanjo Sukashi Tsuba (平安城透鐔): the Kyou Sukashi Tsuba (京透鐔). Most Tsubas have circle shapes, and motifs are engraved dynamically with openwork. The refined composition and outstanding techniques give the impression that metalworkers attached importance to the beauty of openwork more than the practicality of a Tsuba itself. Another type is the Heanjo Zougan Tsuba (平安城象嵌鐔), which is also called the Heianjo Shinchu Zougan Tsuba (平安城真鍮象嵌鐔). Shinchu (真鍮) means brass, and Zougan (象嵌) means inlay in Japanese. This style inherited Ounin Tsuba’s (応仁鐔) techniques. Motifs such as Botan (牡丹, peony), Nanten (南天, nandina), or Karakusa (唐草, arabesque) patterns are inlaid with brass on circle-shaped iron Tsubas. Later, artisans started using gold, silver, and Shakudou (赤銅, an alloy of copper and gold) to create more ornate Tsuba works. 

 Regarding the design of this Tsuba, Momiji (紅葉, maple) and a bird perched on its branch are depicted. According to a theory, this plant motif represents longevity. Maple leaves change their colors from green to yellow, orange, or red. The fall foliage is one of the charms of autumn. Due to this behavior of the color, this design represents someone who knows how to get along in the world and be happy. 

 We assume the bird on the branch might be Mozu (百舌鳥, shrike). The chirp of this bird has been regarded as a symbol of autumn since ancient times. It is said that people would feel the passage of seasons to autumn when they heard the bird’s high-pitched chirp. They usually perch still on branches and look around for food. Then, they leap to the ground like hawks to catch the food, using their sharp feet.

 *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.



Authentication Paper: NBTHK Tokubetsu Kichou Certificate

 NBTHK, also known as Nihon Bijutsu Touken Hozon Kyokai (the Society for the Preservation of the Japan Art Sword), is one of the oldest Japanese sword appraising organizations in modern-day Japan. They authenticated the Tsuba on April 7th in the 54st year of Showa (1979). They appraised it as Tokubetsu Kichou Kodougu, an old form of the certificate. The purchaser will receive this original certificate as well. We can also translate what is written into English and make a PDF file for your record if you request.


【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.

*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】
 While 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.

*Please keep in mind that the Tsuba stand in the photo is not included in the purchase.

-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/

In stock

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