SHINGEN TSUBA
(Ca. 1500)

"This is a round-shaped iron tsuba with no signature, two hitsu-ana, brass wire combination with brass plates on both faces, and brass ring. The Shingen name for this tsuba is the Sengoku warlord Takeda Shingen. There are some inlay holes, but it is in very good condition and is a Shingen tsuba of the highest level in terms of size, weight, and workmanship.

On page 167 of the "Tokyo National Museum Illustration Catalog - Tsuba Edition," there is a nearly identical tsuba, with only the hitsu-ana being different. The book itself is a valuable reference that is almost never available. This is a first-class resource that lists over 500 tsuba from the Tokyo National Museum collection.

The flag of the Takeda army's messenger unit is a centipede, and this unit is called the "Mukadeshu." The centipede was said to "never retreat" and was also "the messenger of Bishamonten," and was very popular with Sengoku warlords. It is said that the Shingen Tsuba was made according to Takeda Shingen's preference, but the authenticity is unknown." (Long)

Approx. 8.60cm x 8.55cm x 0.52cm

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