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Updated: 2 Dec 2024

SOLD

Antique Tsuba Set 01
for Samurai Sword

$0.00

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

INCLUDED: Wooden box, Cushion, NBTHK Hozon Certificate (This certificate is only for T-180.)

We offer this set item at a special price compared to purchasing them separately. We recommend you own these Tsubas if you are thinking about collecting Tsubas or expanding your Tsuba collection. Each of them is a precious item, so please take this opportunity. We hope you like this set, and it will be a part of your great collection.   

Price Comparison

(T-124) original price: (JPY) 36,000-

(T-180) original price: (JPY) 180,000-

(T-284) original price: (JPY) 23,000-

(T-340) original price: (JPY) 27,000-

(T-350) original price: (JPY) 41,000-

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

You can also purchase each Tsuba separately. If you are interested in one of these Tsubas, please feel free to contact us.

SOLD

Get antique Tsubas at a special offer price!

Description

This item is a set of 5 antique Tsubas. Each Tsuba is stored in a wooden box.

T-124: Oval-shaped iron Tsuba that has Kozuka and Kougai holes. Some sailing ships and waves are engraved. Before the invention of the automobile or the airplane, ships were essential transportation for Japanese people, mainly because Japan is an island. From the Momoyama period (1568-1600) to the Edo period, merchant vessels from the Netherlands or Portugal came to Japan. These ships were called “Nanbansen,” and people incorporated it as a pattern for the Kimono (traditional Japanese costume) or furniture.

T-180: Rectangle-shaped iron Tsuba with Kozuka and Kougai holes. This Tsuba describes a famous theme which was named “Gamatekkai Sennin Zu” in Japanese. Sennin means mountain hermit, and Zu means a picture. The Sukidashi Takabori technique engraves Gama Sennin and Tekkai Sennin. According to a theory, Gama Sennin used witchcraft with a toad, and Tekkai Sennin could exhale himself into the air. This Tsuba is recognized by The Society for the Preservation of Japanese Art Swords, which is known as NBTHK.

T-284: An antique Tsuba made from iron. The Karakusa pattern is designed on both sides of these Tsuba. The Karakusa (唐草) means climbing plants (ivy) in Japanese. Ivy has vitality, and it thrives strongly; therefore, this plant pattern represents prosperity and longevity.

 According to its signature, this Tsuba’s creator is 保周 (Yasunari). He was a member of the Myochin school and a well-known maker in the late Edo period. He studied under 保次 (Yasutsugu), who was a pupil of 宗保 (Muneyasu). The Myochin school has its origin from the Kamakura Period, and it lasted until the late Edo Period. Myochin typically used iron and did not use other materials such as copper, either brass. They imported Nanban iron from India, China, or Europe. Myochin is well-known as the top class of iron metalworkers.

 T-340: Iron Tsuba that has Kozuka and Kougai holes. Dragons are designed abstractly. It seems two dragons are chasing each other. Initially, the dragon is an imaginary creature found in ancient traditions or myths. Furthermore, it is a beast that is 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, belly is Mizuchi (蛟, mythical animal in Japan which looks like a snake and have 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.

 Nanban Tsuba was produced in Nagasaki and Hirado area in the Genroku era (1688-1704). This style’s Tsuba usually has a circle shape or Mokkou shape. Dragons, foreign letters, or arabesque designs are often engraved and inlaid with gold or silver on the thin iron. We hope you will enjoy this Tsuba’s foreign atmosphere.

T-350: This antique Tsuba is made from iron. Its Mimi (耳, edge of Tsuba) is covered with silvery metal. This type of decorative edge is called the Fukurin-Mimi (覆輪耳) in Japanese. It gives the Tsuba a gorgeous beauty, and it also has practicality, such as preventing the wear of the edge part. Also, it prevents the wear and tear of the Kimono if the edge damages it by touching the cloth.

 There is a man who wears classical style cloth. He stands at the waterside, and it seems he is looking up the mountains. As he is depicted tiny on the screen compared to a vast landscape of nature, it might give us the impression that he seems he is praying to God.

 A pine tree is engraved near him. As pine trees keep their green color throughout the years by withstanding severe heat and cold, this plant pattern represents eternal youth. Furthermore, its color is called Tokiwa-Iro (常盤色, evergreen trees’ dark green color with brown), and pine trees have another name “Tokiwa-Gi (常盤木).” Tokiwa means immutability, so Tokiwa-Iro is a color that praises green with a wish for longevity and prosperity. Based on these meanings, it matches with a prayer.

 

 Since each of them has different designs, you could collect a variety of Tsuba at once. We hope that this affordable item will be a part of your great collection.

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

Signature Age Material Size Nakagoana Weight
T-124 八道 友清
(Hachdou Tomokiyo)
Edo period, Genroku era (1688-1704) Iron 7.8cm × 7.4cm × 0.4cm 2.7cm × 0.9cm 124g
T-180 春忠
(Harutada)
Edo period Iron 8.0cm × 7.5cm × 0.45cm 2.9cm × 0.8cm 140g
T-284 明珎 保周 作
(Myochin Yasunari Saku)
late Edo period
(1781-1867)
Iron 8.5cm × 8.2cm × 0.4cm 2.9cm × 0.9cm 134g
T-340 SIGNED but cannot be read Edo period Iron 7.2cm × 6.6cm × 0.5cm 2.9cm × 0.8cm 118g
T-350 NO SIGNED Edo period Iron 7.2cm × 6.8cm × 0.4cm 2.8cm × 0.8cm 128g

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 PaperNBTHK Hozon 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 (T-180) on Feb 24th in the 29th year of Heisei (2017). They appraised it as Hozon Tousougu, the Tsuba worth preserving for Japanese society. 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. 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

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    *Delivery may take longer, depending on countries or holiday seasons.

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

    You can also purchase each Tsuba separately. If you are interested in one of these Tsubas, please feel free to contact us.