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Updated: 28 Mar 2024

SOLD

Antique Tsuba Set 05
for Samurai Sword

$0.00

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

INCLUDED: Wooden box, Cushion

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-269) original price: (JPY) 81,000-

(T-322) original price: (JPY) 29,000-

(T-336) original price: (JPY) 115,000-

(T-353) original price: (JPY) 60,000-

(T-357) original price: (JPY) 120,000-

(T-367) original price: (JPY) 39,000-

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 6 antique Tsubas. Each Tsuba is stored in a wooden box.

T-269: Antique iron Tsuba with Kozuka and Kougai holes. Two people are engraved at the top. As they are sitting on the clouds, they have a kind of supernatural power. They might have designed based on someone Sennin (仙人, mountain hermit). The sea spreads all overview under their eyes. It is said that hermits observe people’s life and control the natural environment of the earth. Abandoning the mundane world and becoming a highly virtuous exist was an ideal life model for some people; it might be why hermits were sometimes used as a motif for decorations of sword mountings.

T-322: Circle-shaped iron Tsuba with Kozuka and Kougai holes. It looks this Tsuba has a geometric pattern. And several birds are also engraved in abstracted design. This type of simplified shape bird pattern might depict Kari (雁, wild goose). The wild goose is a migratory bird that represents fall. Some families use this design for their family crests. This bird is engraved by not only a realistic figure but also a very simplified shape: Hiragana (ひらがな, a kind of Japanese letter) “he (へ)” shape that sometimes makes also wild goose.

T-336: This Tsuba has a rounded quadrilateral shape. The Mimi (耳, edge of the Tsuba) has been finished thick and raised compared to the center part. And it is decorated with a continuous triangular geometric pattern by silvery metal. The principal motif of this Tsuba is a flower and its leaves. This plant might be a chrysanthemum. Its petals are arranged in its form abstractly, and its leaves are engraved on the surface of this Tsuba. The petals and leaves both have a rough texture due to the stone-grained surface.

 A long time ago, the chrysanthemum was used as a medicine for obtaining a long life, and it was brought to Japan from the Continent with this thought in the Nara period (648-781). Chrysanthemum symbolizes fall, and people have appreciated it very much since ancient times. As its petals form radially, the chrysanthemum has been likened to the sun. That is why this flower pattern is treated as the symbol of perpetual youth and longevity or good health. Today, this plant design is well-known as a noble pattern.

 T-353: Circle-shaped Tsuba made from iron. A traveler who looks like a Buddhist monk is traveling by cow. It seems he is reading a book. He devotes himself to reading; it shows us his serious attitude. This Tsuba depicts a scene of a journey. This theme might have been quoted from any story or folklore. A branch of pine tree is designed above them. Although some parts of golden metal have already flaked off due to aging, it might have had a gorgeous look. This plant is also engraved at the backside of this Tsuba. Its sculptural expression gives the screen a three-dimensional effect. From this robust carving, you would feel the strength of the vitality of nature.

 The pine tree is a classical motif and has been familiar to Japanese people since ancient times. 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. It is said this color was appreciated, especially in the Edo period, as a good-luck color. The pine tree design gives us an elegant and noble impression; it might be another reason that people love this motif.

T-357: Yotsu-Mokkou-shaped Tsuba made from iron. The 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. The Yotsu-Mokkougata (a combination of four Mokkou shapes) Tsuba is often seen as this Tsuba is categorized.

 Cobwebs are inlaid with brass. As spiders nest and catch prey with their web, people considered the spider pattern had the meaning of “grabbing happiness,” “achieve fortune,” or “attracting things.” It is said this motif was trendy, especially from the Edo period to the Taisho period (大正, 1912-1926). Moreover, it was designed for a variety of craftworks. People appreciate the cobweb pattern as an auspicious design.

 The spider web was treated in Nihonshoki (日本書紀, Nihongi, The Chronicles of Japan), Kokin Wakashu (古今和歌集, an early anthology of Japanese poetry) and also Heike Monogatari (平家物語, The Tale of the Heike). When the cobweb goes down in the morning, it was thought, “the person you are waiting for will come.”

T-367: Yotsu-Mokkou-shaped Tsuba made from iron. Two pairs of wild geese are designed up and down—their backs facing each other. The wild goose is a migratory bird that represents fall. 

 The Myoga (茗荷, myoga ginger) pattern is engraved at the places corresponding to Kozuka and Kougai holes. The Myoga is known as Japanese ginger and was brought to Japan with the Shoga (生姜, ginger). According to a theory, the Shoga used to be called “Senoka,” and the Myoga used to be called “Menoka” in ancient times. It is said that these pronunciations were changed with time. The Myoga has the same pronunciation as another word, “Myoga (冥加),” which means divine protection; therefore, this motif has been treated as a good-luck design. It is seen at shrines and temples in various parts of Japan. Also, it is quite a popular motif for family crests.

We hope you will enjoy this Tsuba’s beautiful symmetrical design.

 

 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-269 NO SIGNED Edo period Iron 7.7cm × 7.4cm × 0.5cm 2.9cm × 0.8cm 111g
T-322 NO SIGNED Edo period Iron 7.0cm × 7.0cm × 0.7cm 2.6cm × 0.7cm 95g
T-336 NO SIGNED Edo period Iron 8.3cm × 7.6cm × 0.3cm 2.5cm × 0.9cm 138g
T-353 NO SIGNED Edo period Iron 7.7cm × 7.6cm × 0.4cm 3.1cm × 0.9cm 166g
T-357 NO SIGNED Edo period Iron 9.4cm × 8.7cm × 0.3cm 3.1cm × 1.0cm 160g
T-367 NO SIGNED Edo period Iron 7.3cm × 7.0cm × 0.68cm 2.85cm × 0.7cm 86g

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

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    *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-

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

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    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-26.)

    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-26) original price: (JPY) 70,000-

    (T-42) original price: (JPY) 123,000-

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  • $958.74

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

    INCLUDED: Wooden box, Cushion

    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-86) original price: (JPY) 40,000-

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    (T-318) original price: (JPY) 31,000-

    (T-335) original price: (JPY) 25,000-

    (T-337) original price: (JPY) 35,000-

    Total: (JPY) 206,000-→→→Special Price (JPY) 145,000- (around 30% OFF)

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