Tsuba japanese tanto - katana sword hilt - Menuki fuchi kashira - Samurai design - Edo period

DESCRIPTION TSUKA a hilt for a Japanese KATANA or WAKIZASHI size The design on the FUCHI and the KASHIRA depictes a scene during the JUEI period 1181–1183, between SAMURAIS, from MINAMOTO and TAIRA clans. The armies of the GENJI and the HEIKE were engaged in a series of battles known collectively as the GENPEI GASSEN, battles of the GENJI and the HEIKE. TECHNIQUE The NANAKO ground of the FUCHI and the KASHIRA is deeply incised and decorated in IROE TAKAZOGAN a very high relief inlay, with accurate details accented with incrustation of SHAKUDO an alloy of copper and gold with a raven black patina and gold. SIGNATURE / SCHOOL Unsigned PERIOD / ORIGIN EDO period 18/19th century Japan COMMENTS During the GENPEI war, various legends of valour, knightly courtesy and courtly elegance were written down to become a part of the classical literature of Japan. This example shows YOSHITSUNE, rode out into the waters of the beach to engage the enemy himself. When the HEIKE soldiers, fighting from boats, attempted to remove YOSHITSUNE’S war helmet with a bear-claw scythe, YOSHITSUNE lost his bow. Using his horse whip, he risked his life to retrieve the bow while under attack. YOSHITSUNE, saying “ A bow is not worth risking one’s life to recover. YOSHITSUNE refuted the criticism, “It was not losing the bow that matter. If the enemy were to know that I, your general, use a bow as frail and weak as this, it would shame us. ” MATERIAL / SIZE Mixed materials 150 x 38 x 23 mm CONDITION: Basically in decent condition considering the age. See the detailed photos or email me for more info.