Tachi Koshirae for Samurai Sword (Koshirae-11)
【Overall】
【Handguard】
The golden family crest pattern is depicted on this Tsuba. This crest is called the Aoi-Domoe / Mitsuba-Aoi-no Mon (葵巴/三つ葉葵の紋). It is a plant pattern in which each stem branches and has characteristic heart-shaped leaves. Today, it is known as the family crest of the Tokugawa Shogunate family led by Tokugawa Ieyasu (徳川 家康, 1543-1616), a famous military commander of the Warring States period. This plant pattern has also been used for the crest of the Kamo shrine in Kyoto prefecture. As mentioned above, the famous Shogunate family, the Tokugawa family, had their family crest with three leaves of Aoi due to their relationship with the Kamo shrine. As its leaves have a habit of always facing the sun, and the word “Aoi” is taken as “Aogu (仰ぐ, looking up)” for the sun, people thought the Aoi pattern would bring good fortune.
Also, if you focus on the four corners, you will find a heart-mark hole at each corner. On this Tsuba, you could find eight heart marks in total on each side. This heart mark-shaped design is the Inome (猪の目, boar’s eyes) pattern. It has been used since ancient times. Some people believed the Inome pattern would bring good luck and protect people from evil spirits or fire.
As with other metal fittings, the harmony of metal black and gold colors gives an elegant impression.
【Scabbard】
The Nashiji Nuri (梨子地塗) technique decorates this scabbard. It is a kind of Makie (蒔絵) method. This surface treatment method creates a rough texture by creating fine unevenness on the surface of the metal. They also come in varying degrees of gloss, including glossy, semi-gloss, and matte. According to a theory, it was invented in the Kamakura (鎌倉) period (1185-1333), and in the Edo period, various techniques were devised to color the products.
About the design, the Aoi-Domoe / Mitsuba-Aoi-no Mon (葵巴/三つ葉葵の紋), the family crest of the Tokugawa Shogunate family, is painted on this scabbard.
The Seme Kanamono (責金物, a metal fitting attached to the middle of the scabbard to protect the scabbard), the Ishiduki Kanamono (石突金物, a metal fitting attached to the end of the scabbard), these metal parts are also decorated with this crest design. The Taikogane (太鼓金) is a circle-shaped metal fitting attached to the middle of the Taikogawa (太鼓革). The Taikogawa is made from leather and has a role in fixing the Tachio (太刀緒, Sageo for the Tachi Koshirae). This Taikogane also has the same crest design.
【Handle】
The handle is covered with elegant light brown cloths with golden embroideries of some plants and the brown thread includes the handle with Hishi-Maki technique, a kind of Tsukamaki method.
【Pommel】
The family crest of the Tokugawa Shogunate family, called the Aoi-Domoe / Mitsuba-Aoi-no Mon (葵巴/三つ葉葵の紋), are designed on the pommel.
【Hilt Decor】
Three family crests are arranged side by side. While we cannot see its entire shape because of the Tsukamaki thread, the Aoi-Domoe / Mitsuba-Aoi-no Mon (葵巴/三つ葉葵の紋) is used here, the same as other metal fittings. We could also feel the consistent commitment of the client here.
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【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.
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【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.
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【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.
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https://www.samuraimuseum.jp/shop/product-category/antique/
