{"id":42445,"date":"2023-10-26T12:55:50","date_gmt":"2023-10-26T03:55:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/?post_type=product&p=42445"},"modified":"2025-10-15T15:22:38","modified_gmt":"2025-10-15T06:22:38","slug":"antique-tsuba-for-samurai-sword-with-nbthk-hozon-certificate-t-614","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/product\/antique-tsuba-for-samurai-sword-with-nbthk-hozon-certificate-t-614\/","title":{"rendered":"Antique Tsuba for Samurai Sword with NBTHK Hozon<\/span><\/strong> Certificate (T-614)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Title: Heianjo-style, Heianjo-style, Wachigai Sasa Sukashi Tsuba<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Description<\/strong><\/span>
\n\u00a0This Tsuba is recognized by The Society for Preservation of Japanese Art Swords, which is known as NBTHK. This Tsuba is categorized as the Heianjo (\u5e73\u5b89\u57ce) Tsuba. The Heianjo-style was established in Yamashiro (\u5c71\u57ce, today\u2019s Kyoto Prefecture). According to a theory, this school was born during the reign of the sixth Shogun (\u5c06\u8ecd, general) of the Muromachi (\u5ba4\u753a) Shogunate. And its style was influenced by the tastes of the Shogun. The works of this school could be classified into two types according to their noticeable characteristics. The one is the Heanjo Sukashi Tsuba (\u5e73\u5b89\u57ce\u900f\u9414), which is generally called the Kyou Sukashi Tsuba (\u4eac\u900f\u9414). Most Tsubas have circle shapes, and motifs are engraved dynamically with openwork. The refined composition and outstanding techniques give the impression that metalworkers attached importance to the beauty of openwork more than the practicality of a Tsuba itself. Another type is the Heanjo Zougan Tsuba (\u5e73\u5b89\u57ce\u8c61\u5d4c\u9414), which is also called the Heianjo Shinchu Zougan Tsuba (\u5e73\u5b89\u57ce\u771f\u936e\u8c61\u5d4c\u9414). Shinchu (\u771f\u936e) means brass, and Zougan (\u8c61\u5d4c) means inlay in Japanese. This style inherited Ounin Tsuba\u2019s (\u5fdc\u4ec1\u9414) techniques. Motifs such as Botan (\u7261\u4e39, peony), Nanten (\u5357\u5929, nandina), or Karakusa (\u5510\u8349, arabesque) patterns are inlaid with brass on circle-shaped iron Tsubas. Later, artisans started using gold, silver, and Shakudou (\u8d64\u9285, an alloy of copper and gold) to create more ornate Tsuba works.
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0This Tsuba is categorized as the Heianjo Zougan Tsuba. The Sasa (\u7b39, bamboo grass) is the motif, and the bamboo knots resemble a circular pattern which is called the Wachigai Mon (\u8f2a\u9055\u3044\u6587). Wa (\u8f2a) means a ring in Japanese. Wachigai shows the way the rings intersect. Since a ring spreads in all four directions, its name changed to the Shihou (\u56db\u65b9, four directions) and switched to the Shippou (\u4e03\u5b9d, the literal meaning of the characters means seven treasures). In Buddhism, the seven jewels that adorn the pagoda refer to the blessings of the gods and Buddha. Therefore, the Shippou pattern has been regarded as an auspicious design.
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Bamboo grows neatly towards the sky, and it is vital. Therefore, this motif represents nobility and strength. Besides, the bamboo breaks straight, but its content is hollow; people thought it showed innocence. According to a foreign legend, the Houhou (\u9cf3\u51f0, Fenghuang) eats bamboo fruits; therefore, bamboo has been considered a sacred plant. Also, as it keeps its green color even in cold winter, people thought the bamboo pattern represented eternity and longevity. In this way, the bamboo grass is a lucky charm, forming the auspicious pattern of the Wachigai Mon.
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0*As this item is an antique, please check each photo and ensure its condition.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is Tsuba?<\/strong><\/span>
\n\u00a0Tsuba 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why is it that the sword mounting was important for Samurai?<\/strong><\/span>
\n\u00a0The 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Authentication Paper<\/strong>:<\/span> NBTHK Hozon Certificate<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0NBTHK, 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 on Jul 14th in the 5th year of Reiwa (2023). 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u3010About us\u3011<\/span><\/strong>
\n\u00a0Samurai 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. <\/span><\/p>\n

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\u3010Payment method\u3011<\/strong><\/span>
\n\u00a0We accept payment through Stripe<\/strong> (Credit card), PayPal<\/strong>, Apple Pay or ChromePay, all of which are secure payment methods. Also, you don\u2019t 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<\/strong>, USD<\/strong>, AUD<\/strong>, CAD<\/strong>, EUR<\/strong>, CHF<\/strong> or GBP<\/strong>. The price is set in Japanese Yen. Prices in other currencies are automatically calculated based on the latest exchange rate.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u3010Shipping duration\u3011<\/strong><\/span>
\n\u00a0We 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0We offer Free International Shipping<\/strong><\/span> as long as we can ship your order by EMS. If you prefer other shipping carriers, please contact us.<\/span>
\n\u00a0We will inform you of the order’s tracking number via email. Please make sure you fill out your valid email address correctly.<\/span><\/p>\n

*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.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u3010How to make sure the condition\u3011<\/strong><\/span>
\n\u00a0Please 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0It 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u3010How to appreciate Tsuba\u3011<\/strong><\/span>
\n\u00a0While 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

-Inspection<\/strong><\/span>
\n\u00a0Inspect and feel the artistry of Tsuba. You will be amazed by the maker’s work quality to make it look a great work.<\/span><\/p>\n

-Find the right place to display<\/strong><\/span>
\n\u00a0Tsuba 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u203bThese photos are the example of Tsuba stand and how to place the Tsuba.<\/span><\/p>\n

-Learn the details<\/strong><\/span>
\n\u00a0Tsuba 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 openwork, engravings, and gold\/silver inlays. There were many schools that trained Tsuba makers, and each of them has different characteristics. You would enjoy knowing these differences and find your beloved style.<\/span><\/p>\n

-Arrange in modern style<\/strong> <\/span>
\n\u00a0We want to propose the way that you could enjoy the Tsuba as jewelry. By stringing a cord into the center hole of the Tsuba, it could\u00a0 be worn as a necklace. This modern way would show you a new charm of Tsuba. Here are the examples of neckless.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u3010Give the Tsuba as a special gift\u3011<\/strong><\/span>
\n\u00a0Are 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<\/u><\/span><\/strong><\/a>. It is always our pleasure to serve you.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0Would you like see some more Tsuba for sale? Please check the link below. We hope you can find your favorite Tsuba.<\/span>
\nhttps:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/product-category\/decorations\/tsuba\/<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

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Delivery Time<\/strong><\/span>: 5 – 14 DAYS<\/span>
\n*Delivery may take longer, depending on countries or holiday seasons.<\/span><\/p>\n

INCLUDED<\/strong>: Wooden box, Cushion, NBTHK Hozon Certificate<\/span><\/p>\n

Title: Heianjo-style, Wachigai Sasa Sukashi Tsuba<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Signature: NO SIGNED<\/span>
\nAge: Edo period<\/span>
\nMaterial: Iron<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Size<\/span><\/td>\nThickness<\/span><\/td>\nNakagoana<\/span><\/td>\nWeight<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
8.5cm\u00d78.3cm<\/span><\/td>\n0.4cm<\/span><\/td>\n3.0cm\u00d70.9cm<\/span><\/td>\n120g<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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