{"id":56908,"date":"2024-09-30T13:03:41","date_gmt":"2024-09-30T04:03:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/?post_type=product&p=56908"},"modified":"2025-06-26T01:31:09","modified_gmt":"2025-06-25T16:31:09","slug":"antique-tsuba-for-samurai-sword-t-709","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/product\/antique-tsuba-for-samurai-sword-t-709\/","title":{"rendered":"Antique Tsuba for Samurai Sword (T-709)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Title: Ichou Karakusa Zu<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Description<\/strong><\/span>
\n\u00a0This antique iron Tsuba has Kozuka and Kougai holes. Two Ichou (\u9280\u674f, Ginkgo Biloba) leaf motifs are attached to the top and bottom of the Seppadai (\u5207\u7fbd\u53f0); the part that touches Seppa (\u5207\u7fbd, a thin metal plate that pinches either side of the Tsuba), and two oval-shaped frames with the Karakusa (\u5510\u8349, arabesque) pattern are attached to the left and right sides of the Seppadai.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The Ichou contains lots of water; therefore, it is fire-resistant. It does not quickly die even if flames burn it. Because of its strong vitality and longevity, the Ichou pattern has been considered a good-luck motif. In Japan, Ichou trees can often be found in shrines. People worship it as the Goshinboku (\u3054\u795e\u6728, tree of worship) and treat it respectfully. Also, many families use this plant pattern for their family crests. In Japanese, there is another word that has the same pronunciation as the Ichou (\u9280\u674f). It is written as \u201c\u7570\u671d\u201d and means a foreign country. Based on this common pronunciation, people thought the Ichou (\u9280\u674f) pattern showed the joy of welcoming honored guests from overseas.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The Karakusa pattern is a design in which stems and leaves of vines are twined and make curves. Since ivy has a strong vitality and grows up without interruption, people regarded this design as a symbol of prosperity and longevity. Vine is called Tsuru (\u8513) in Japanese, and it has another pronunciation; \u201cMan.\u201d There is a word \u4e07 (it is also read Man), which means ten thousand. In the Karakusa pattern, leaves and vines are connected like Obi (\u5e2f, belt). The word \u201c\u5e2f\u201d can also be read \u201cTai.\u201d Due to its pronunciation, the term \u201c\u4ee3 (Tai)\u201d is associated. From this word-association game, an idiom \u4e07\u4ee3 is associated, and it means a thousand generations. In other words, we could imagine that people used this design wishing prosperity and longevity for their clans for a long time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Also, the Kin Nunome Zougan (\u91d1\u5e03\u76ee\u8c61\u5d4c, gold inlay) is applied to the Karakusa pattern. The Nunome Zougan (\u5e03\u76ee\u8c61\u5d4c) is a technique in which vertical and horizontal stripes are attached to the surface that seems to be a texture of a fabric, and gold or silver foil is pasted on the surface to make it bite in and prevent it from peeling off. Although the golden color is partly faded, this inlay makes this Tsuba look decorative.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/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

\"\"
\n
\n<\/p>\n

\n

\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

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\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

\"\"<\/p>\n

\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<\/span> 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

*If you like to make sure if EMS shipping is available to your country, please contact us.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\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

<\/p>\n

\u203bThe photo is 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 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

-Arrange in modern style<\/strong> <\/span>
\n\u00a0We 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\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

<\/p>\n

\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

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\"\" \"\"<\/p>\n

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<\/span><\/p>\n

Title: Ichou Karakusa Zu<\/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
7.1cm\u00d76.6cm<\/span><\/td>\n0.5cm<\/span><\/td>\n2.5cm\u00d70.8cm<\/span><\/td>\n107g<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

You can enlarge all the photos to see the detail of the item.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":56901,"template":"","meta":[],"product_brand":[],"product_cat":[15,121,25],"product_tag":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-56908","1":"product","2":"type-product","3":"status-publish","4":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"product_cat-tsuba","7":"product_cat-plant-vegetable","8":"product_cat-decorations","10":"first","11":"outofstock","12":"shipping-taxable","13":"purchasable","14":"product-type-simple","15":"add-to-wishlist-after_add_to_cart","16":"customify-col","17":"product-has-gallery"},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product\/56908","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/product"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/56901"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=56908"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"product_brand","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_brand?post=56908"},{"taxonomy":"product_cat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_cat?post=56908"},{"taxonomy":"product_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_tag?post=56908"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}