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Updated: 29 Mar 2024

SOLD

Antique Tsuba for Samurai Sword
with NTHK Kanteisho Certificate (T-487)

$1,653.00

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

INCLUDED: Wooden box, Cushion, NTHK Kanteisho Certificate

Title: Kiyosada-style, Kumo ni Ameryu Zu

Signature: NO SIGNED
Age: late Edo period
Material: Shakudou (赤銅, the mixture of copper and gold) 

Size Thickness Nakagoana Weight
7.0cm×6.8cm 0.4cm 2.6cm×0.8cm 130g

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

Thank you for visiting our website. This Tsuba was sold as each antique Japanese Tsuba is one of a kind. However, we have various kinds of antique Japanese Tsubas available. Our customer service will help you find your ideal Tsuba you will cherish for generations. Please feel free to contact us or check the list of Tsubas. We will be more than happy to help you.

SOLD

Title: Kiyosada-style, Kumo ni Ameryu Zu

Description
 According to the certificate, this Tsuba’s maker is attributed to Kiyosada (清定). Kiyosada did well in Sendai (仙台) area in the late Edo period. He moved to Edo and learned under the Omori family. He was good at making Shakudou Tsubas with inlay decorations.

 About the design, the theme is the Kumo ni Ameryu Zu (雲に雨竜図). It is a combination of Ameryu (雨竜) and clouds. The Ameryu, also called the Amaryou, is a kind of dragon who controls the rain. It is believed that the Ameryu would make rain in the proof when God is blessed. A theory says an Ameryu is the young figure of a dragon. This creature has been thought to be a small spirit who lives in forests. As mentioned above, their appearance has a similarity to a dragon. That is why they are sometimes depicted with a charming look compared to other types of dragons. Moreover, snake worship was common in Japan because the serpent has a deep relationship with the water god faith. It might be the reason why Japanese people love the Ameryu pattern.

 Clouds bring rain and snow, and their movements significantly affect the day’s weather. Due to its supernatural power, a theory says that gods, spirits, and dragons dwell in the clouds. Also, as mentioned above, clouds are related to the Ameryu. Understandably, these motifs are designed together in works, as you see in this Tsuba.

 Initially, the dragon is an imaginary creature found in ancient traditions or myths. Furthermore, it is regarded as a symbolic beast 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, 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. The dragon design is often seen in sword mountings. Dragons and Ameryu, we guess both motifs were highly favored among Samurais because of their auspicious images.

 *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: NTHK Kanteisho Certificate

 NTHK, also known as NPO Nihon Touken Hozon Kai, is the oldest organization for sword authentication of Japanese swords in modern times. It was established in 1889 during the post-Samurai era. They authenticated the Tsuba on Apr 17th in the fourth year of Reiwa (2022). 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 will use DHL instead for those who ordered from Canada as EMS temporarily stops shipping to this country due to COVID-19. We offer Free International Shipping as long as we can ship your order by either EMS or DHL (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.

【Antique Japanese Tsuba and Export process】
 After receiving the full payment from you, we will apply for its export permit from the Board of Education to legally export the Tsuba to other countries. It normally takes around 2 to 4 weeks to receive this permit. And we would like you to expect at least 1.0 – 1.5 months for your order to arrive at your given address after you ordered.

【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.

※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

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