A pattern created by overlapping circles or ellipses vertically, horizontally, and in four directions is called a shippo-tsunagi-mon. There is a theory that what was originally called shiho-tsunagi became shippo-tsunagi-mon by associating it with the seven treasures (shippo) of Buddhism. Because it expands infinitely in four directions, it signifies prosperity and was favored as an auspicious motif used on garments and utensils. This work features a portion of that shippo-mon as ko-sukashi. Rather than depicting everything with Katsuaki (clarity), it is a clever technique that shows only a part and invites the viewer's imagination. To put it colloquially, it might be called the "aesthetics of the glimpse." The jitetsu, hammered tight with deep shadows and rich expression, has a blackish color and is well-forged, with the thickness thinning slightly toward the mimi. One wishes to feel the severity of the era of practical use and the awakening of decoration through both sight and touch. It is a work with mu-hitsu, just as it was used in the Muromachi period, and truly tells the story of "one sword, one tsuba."
Offered by Choshuya
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As written by the shop
Machine translation from the shop's Japanese · may contain errors ·
Tosho-Katchushi
A Hozon-certified fitting of notably superior craftsmanship and condition, often with signature or workmanship of high reference value.
The NBTHK (Nihon Bijutsu Tōken Hozon Kyōkai, the Society for the Preservation of Japanese Art Swords) is a public-interest incorporated foundation founded in 1948 and supervised by Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs (Bunkachō); it is based at the Japanese Sword Museum in Tokyo. Its expert panels physically examine each submitted work (shinsa) and issue a certificate (kanteishō) ranking it by artistic and historical merit. NBTHK papers are the most widely recognized standard of authentication for Japanese swords and fittings.
NBTHK official siteIf, due to our fault, the item differs significantly from its proper condition, the item may be returned. Cooling-off is within one week of the item's arrival.