Title: Tsuta ni Kamon
Description
We estimate this item was used as a jar or vase, and it is decorated with some plant patterns. If you look at the surface of this vase, you will find there are delicate cracks. It is called the Kan-Nyu (嵌入), and it was made because the contraction percentage is different between the soil and glaze. So, these minute cracks are not considered damage. People think of it as a characteristic flavor.
On the body of this work, Tsuta (蔦, ivy) pattern and the family crest called the Maru ni Juji (丸に十字, cross in a circle), which is the crest of the Shimazu clan in Satsuma province (today’s Kagoshima prefecture), are depicted.
The design of ivy is quite similar to the leaves part of the Kiri (桐, paulownia) pattern. The Tsuta motif has also been used for family crests. The Tsuta Mon (蔦紋) is a family crest with an ivy leaf motif. It has yellow flowers in summer and red leaves in autumn, giving it a beautiful appearance. Therefore, it has been loved as an ornamental plant since ancient times. Due to its aesthetic significance and lush nature, it has come to be used as a family crest to pray for prosperity and was especially often used by Samurai families. Because many families use this plant emblem, the Tsuta Mon is considered one of the Judai Kamon (十大家紋, ten widely used family crests in Japan).
If you look at the edge of this work, you will find some flower and plants pattern. They are Kiku (菊, chrysanthemum) and Kiri (桐, paulownia). A long time ago, the chrysanthemum was used as a medicine for obtaining a long life in China, and it was brought to Japan with this thought in the Nara period (648-781). Chrysanthemum is one of the flowers which symbolizes fall, and people appreciate 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.
The chrysanthemum crest depicted on this item has 16 petals, which is known as “Kiku no Gomon (菊の御紋),” and it has been used as the crest of the Emperor and the royal family in Japan so that it is well-known as a noble pattern. From the Kamakura (1185-1333) period to the Warring States period (1467-1615), the chrysanthemum crest was given as a reward from the Emperor back then to the warlords who made significant contributions. For example, Ashikaga Takauji (1305-1358), who became the first Shogun of the Muromachi Shogunate, cooperated with Emperor Go-Daigo (後醍醐天皇, 1288-1339) to dissolve the Kamakura Shogunate. And Takauji was given a chrysanthemum crest. In addition, Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537-1598) was also given a chrysanthemum crest by Emperor Goyouzei. A theory says Hideyoshi was delighted and used this motif for furniture. At that time, the Emperor was regarded as God. Therefore, it was an irreplaceable honor for Samurais to receive the family crest from the Emperor. This is how the chrysanthemum pattern has a deep connection with Samurai culture.
The paulownia pattern generally comprises three standing straight inflorescences and three leaves. The number of blooming flowers at each inflorescence shows the ranks of this design. In this work, a family crest called the Go-Shichi-no Kiri (五七の桐, five-seven-five flowers) is designed. It is said that some famous Samurais in Japan, such as Uesugi Kenshin (上杉謙信) and Uesugi Kagekatsu (上杉景勝), used this Go-Shichi-no Kiri pattern for their crests. This plant pattern was once used by the imperial family and national leaders of the time. Today, this plant pattern is used as the crest of the Japanese Government. According to a tradition, the Houou (鳳凰, Fenghuang, a kind of sacred beast) rests its wings at a paulownia tree. Therefore, it has come to be regarded as a holy plant.
Also, the tripod feet of this work is designed as the face of Shishi (獅子, lion), which is called the Shishi Gashira (獅子頭, lion’s face). The Shishi Gashira had been used as the decoration for a pot since the Northern Dynasty (around the 4 – 5th century) in China. This motif was said to ward evil spirits.
*As this item is an antique, please check each photo and ensure its condition.
【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.
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.
【Antique Japanese item 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 item 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 antique item and we are prepared to use the best of our ability to serve you.
Would you like see some more antique items for sale? Please check the link below. We hope you can find your favorite item.
https://www.samuraimuseum.jp/shop/product-category/antique/
