説明

Circle-shaped Tsuba that has Kozuka and Kougai holes. We would like to judge that the Kiku (菊, chrysanthemum) is designed, and it seems the gold (or brass) was initially applied to its outline. The flower is blooming, and its leaves are engraved on the lower side. A long time ago, the chrysanthemum was used as a medicine for obtaining a long life, and it was brought to Japan from the continent with this thought in the Nara period (648-781). Chrysanthemum symbolizes autumn, and Japanese people have appreciated 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. Here we introduce stories about the chrysanthemum design to you. It would show you the deep relationship between this plant motif and the Samurai culture. From the Kamakura (1185-1333) period to the Warring States period (1467-1615), the chrysanthemum crest was rewarded from the then emperor to the warlords who made significant contributions. For example, Ashikaga Takauji (足利 尊氏, 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 (後陽成天皇, 1571-1617). 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. In this way, the chrysanthemum was one of the motifs closely related to the Samurais, and, understandably, it was often designed for sword mountings. It could be inferred that people have widely cherished this motif as an auspicious pattern and as a design that represents his achievements as a warrior. This Tsuba has the Mei (銘, engraved inscription). Please note that there is NO provenance or certificate that proves its signature’s authenticity.

販売店の記載

INCLUDED

Wooden box, Cushion

Title

Kiku Sukashi Tsuba