Description

This Menuki is recognized by The Society for Preservation of Japanese Art Swords, which is known as NBTHK. According to the certificate, this Menuki is attributed to the work of Kyo Kanagu shi (京金具師). The Kyo Kanagu shi refers to a metal fitting craftsman living in Kyoto in the Edo period. They created a variety of metal fittings, including Tsubas and Menukis. Also, this Menuki is made from the Shakudou (赤銅), it is an alloy of copper and gold. This material has often been used for making sword mountings due to its properties. Also, the Shakudou gives the works elegant black color. On this Menuki, gold and silver overglaze paintings, called the Kin Gin Iro-e (金銀色絵), are also applied elegantly. The theme of this Menuki is the Eda Botan (枝牡丹, a branch of peony), which was also used as a family crest of regents regent family in the Edo period. The branch peony crest is a design in which a peony flower is centered, branches are extended to the left and buds are attached, and a leaf is folded. Peony has been called the “king of flowers.” Also, peony represents happiness, wealth, nobleness, and gorgeousness. This flower pattern has been treated as a kind of good-omen motif; people regarded it as a rich harvest sign. Peony is called “Botan” in Japanese. When we write this flower’s name in Japanese, its second letter means mountain hermit medicine that would give us eternal youth. Based on the meaning of this letter, the peony pattern symbolizes eternal youth and longevity. A B Authentication Paper They authenticated the Menuki on February 26th in the 26th year of Heisei (2014). They appraised it as Hozon Tousougu, the Menuki worth preserving for Japanese society.

Details from the shop

INCLUDED

Wooden box, NBTHK Hozon Certificate

Title

Eda Botan Zu

Authentication Paper

NBTHK Hozon Certificate (No. 4004444)