Title: Nanban-style, Ume Take Ryu Tora Uguisu Zu
Description
According to its certificate, this Tsuba’s was created during the mid Edo period (1681-1780), and categorized as the Nanban Tsuba (南蛮鍔), which means it was imported from overseas or created by imitating foreign-style Tsuba. The term “Nanban” refers to a foreign country that includes Portugal, Spain, and, in a broader sense, China. As stated in this certificate, Nanban Tsuba began to be imported from overseas in large numbers around the end of the Muromachi period (the mid 16th century), and it is said that foreign Tsuba makers were also making Tsubas in Nagasaki in the Edo period. However, the certificate also says this Tsuba is considered to be the work of Japanese Tsuba maker since its Seppadai (切羽台, the hole opened in the middle of Tsuba to put sword) is made well-balanced.
Regarding the design, the theme of this Tsuba is a combination of Ume (梅, Japanese apricot blossom), Take (竹, bamboo), Ryu (竜 or 龍, dragon), Tora (虎, tiger), and Uguisu (鶯, Japanese bush warbler), all of which are regarded as good omens.
Firstly, two poplar classical combinations, Take ni Tora (竹に虎, Bamboo and Tiger) and Ume ni Uguisu (梅に鶯, Japanese apricot blossom and Japanese bush warbler), are used.
The Take ni Tora (竹に虎) design is said to have been created since tigers were considered to live in bamboo forests in China. The tiger is a brave animal. A theory says people considered the tiger pattern would protect people from evil spirits. Therefore, its pattern has been treated as a talisman. The tiger design has also been regarded as the symbol of life activity when “tiger” is written by a Japanese Kanji character (漢字, a kind of Japanese letter) based on its meaning. It is said people wished boys’ healthy growth by using the tiger pattern. Also, bamboos grow neatly towards the sky, and it is vital so that this motif represents nobility and strength. Besides, the bamboo breaks straight, but its content is hollow; people thought it shows innocence. According to a Chinese legend, Houhou (鳳凰, Fenghuang) eats bamboo fruits; therefore, bamboo has been considered a sacred plant. Also, as it keeps its green color even in cold winter, people thought the bamboo pattern shows eternity and longevity. We would say that the bamboo pattern is one of the familiar designs for Japanese people since ancient times.
The Ume ni Uguisu (梅に鶯) design is a traditional analogy of a perfect match, a match made in heaven, or a good friendship in Japanese poetries and paintings. There are several views about the origin of this word. According to a theory, this combination comes from the behavior of Japanese bush warblers. This bird likes the nectar of Japanese apricot blossoms, so it comes to a Japanese apricot tree and cries. However, it is actually the Mejiro (メジロ, Japanese white-eye) who prefers this nectar, not the Japanese bush warbler. Another theory says this combination was born because combining these motifs makes an elegant design. The bush warbler announces early spring with its beautiful cry. In addition, Japanese apricot blossoms bloom beautifully and announce the arrival of spring. It is the idea that this word was born because these combinations were thought to be an attractive design. In the first place, this subject is not native to Japan. It was brought from the continent; the same is true for Japanese apricot blossoms. It is said that nobles once began to use this theme out of their admiration for the continent.
As for a dragon, initially, they were imaginary creatures found in ancient foreign traditions or myths. Furthermore, it is regarded as a symbol of auspicious signs. Its body is likened to nine animals: antlers are deer, the head is a camel, eyes are demons, the neck is a snake, the belly is the Mizuchi (蛟, a mythical animal in Japan that looks like a snake and has a horn and four legs), scales are fish, claws are falcons, palms are tigers, and ears are cows. It was thought that the dragon would reign at the top of all animals because of its odd-looking appearance.
While some colorings have already faded due to aging, it seems all the motifs were initially colored with golden paint, which was finished with the Kin Nunome Zougan (金布目象嵌, gold inlay). The Nunome Zougan (布目象嵌) is a technique in which vertical and horizontal stripes are attached to the surface that seems to be a texture of a fabric, and gold or silver foil is pasted on the surface to make it bite in and prevent it from peeling off.
We hope you will appreciate this work.
*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:Nihon Tousougu Kenkyukai Certificate
This Tsuba has the certificate that was issued by the Nihon Tousougu Kenkyukai (日本刀装具研究会). This organization is different from NBTHK, known as Nihon Bijutsu Touken Hozon Kyokai (the Society for the Preservation of the Japan Art Sword), nor NTHK, known as NPO Nihon Touken Hozon Kai. They authenticated the Tsuba on March 12th in the 20th year of Heisei (2008). 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.
-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/