説明

Title: Masu Zu Tsuba Description This Tsuba features a delicate openwork design inspired by Masu (升)—a traditional Japanese square measuring box often used for serving sake or rice. The Masu pattern, arranged here in a series of diamond-shaped frames, symbolizes prosperity and abundance, as the word “masu” (to measure) also means to increase in Japanese. Therefore, this motif has long been cherished as an auspicious design representing wishes for growth and good fortune. According to the authentication certificate, this piece was crafted and signed by Sadahiro (貞廣), a sword guard maker active in Owari Province (present-day Aichi Prefecture) during the mid-Edo period. The Tsuba is made of Shakudō (赤銅)—an elegant alloy of gold and copper known for its deep purplish-black surface. The surface texture shows a Tetsu Tsuchime-ji (鉄槌目地), meaning a hand-hammered iron ground, while fine Sukishita Kebori (鋤下毛彫) engraving and subtle Shakudō Iregane (赤銅嵌金) inlay work highlight the craftsmanship. The guard has a Maru-mimi (丸耳) or rounded rim, giving the overall Katamaru-gata (型丸形) form a soft and refined appearance. 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. Authentication Paper : NBTHK Hozon Certificate (No. 452081) NBTHK, 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 April 19th in the 19th year of Heisei (2007). 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. 【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. Time of delivery is estimated as accurately as possible by the carrier but does not take i